Data from more than ten years of research by the Great Place to Work Institute’s 1 million-person database reveals that “Great” companies consistently earn higher marks for “fun.” In fact, a growing body of research suggests that a fun workplace generates greater trust, creativity and communication. And these good feelings can result in less turnover, better morale, and a stronger bottom line to boot!

That is why – in addition to promoting serious productivity – companies and working groups should introduce the idea of fun to their to-do list.

The good news is it’s easy and often free to introduce fun into the work week, and Nynja can support your efforts whether teams are working remotely or in the office. Here are a few ideas to get started:

• Movement. Everyone benefits from moving, especially after sitting for long periods of time. Blocking out 20 minutes on your calendar to get up and move – whether for a short dance party, walk outside, or 20 minute yoga sesh – can give you the energy boost you need to get through the afternoon. Use the Nynja meeting function to invite a fun accountability buddy.

• Competition. Healthy competition can provide positive motivation, especially during the middle-of-the-week doldrums. Team leaders can create a contest, like a sales target or a timeframe for completion of a task, and incentivize with a reward. The reward can be as simple as taking the afternoon off or busting out of the office for a fro-yo with all the toppings.

• Field Trip. Remember field trips? Those special days where if you got your permission slip signed on time and dressed appropriately you got to escape school for greener pastures…

Well, adults need field trips too! Give yourself or your team something to look forward to by planning an afternoon at the local zoo, aquarium, or a historical site using the Nynja event function. You can be sure that the sights, sounds, and camaraderie of being in an unfamiliar place will translate directly into new ideas and innovation when you’re back in the saddle.