Written by John Chand in July, 2011

I recently read a great book on what motivates us in the workforce and teaches us as employees how we can get the most out of our workday, not by simply increasing productivity but by creating a fun atmosphere to work in.

The book does this by telling the story of Mary-Jane Ramirez, a fictional manager, who is faced with the task of transforming her unhelpful depressing department into an effective team.

Mary-Jane finds the solution to transforming her workplace at the very real Pike Place Fish Market in Seattle, where she learns the four elements to a successful fun and enjoyable work environment. Using what she has learnt, Mary-Jane transforms her depressing department into a team of enthusiastic go getters who get things done.

These principles are so simple, yet so effective in building a fun workplace they should be incorporated in all organisations as they would not only produce happier employees but also improve results and productivity it the workplace.

Though the book is often described as a management book, the actual target audience is the team, not the manager. The team members are the ones who deal with the customers face to face and have the ability to make them laugh or frown.

This book is for everyone who works and I encourage everyone to go grab a copy. As simply put in the foreword “People spend about 75% of our adult wake time doing work related activities, getting ready for work, travelling to work, working, contemplating work and decompressing after work”.

For those who wish to read the book, it is called ‘Fish – A Remarkable Way to Boost Morale and Improve Results’ by Stephen C. Lundin Ph.D, Harry Paul and John Christensen.

PLEASE NOTE:  All information contained in the articles below was correct at time of publishing.