Back to the Office: A Fun-Forward Approach for Creatives to Defeat Burnout

As the world reorients itself toward returning to office spaces, the challenges of fast-paced and demanding work environments persist, bringing burnout to the forefront of concerns, especially among User Experience Design teams and creatives. The solution to this modern affliction may be simpler than you think: we need more fun in the office! The return to the office provides an opportunity to infuse our workplace with creativity and joy. Incorporating fun and taking regular breaks during the workday has been shown to enhance creativity, boost productivity, and foster a more enjoyable work atmosphere. Let's explore the evidence supporting the benefits of fun and breaks at work and conclude with innovative ideas to infuse fun into your office space, tailored specifically for UX Design teams and creatives.

The Benefits of Taking Breaks

1. Enhanced Creativity
   For UX Design teams and creatives, creativity is at the core of your work. Research has shown that taking regular breaks throughout the day can stimulate creativity. By stepping away from your work, your mind can wander, and you're more likely to connect seemingly unrelated ideas, leading to innovative solutions and fresh perspectives.

2. Stress Reduction
   The nature of design work can be inherently stressful, with tight deadlines and the need for precision. Short breaks have been found to lower stress levels. Stepping away from your desk for a moment allows you to relax and recharge, reducing the risk of burnout.

3. Increased Productivity
   Counterintuitively, taking breaks can improve productivity. For UX Design and creative work, short, strategic breaks can help maintain focus, prevent mental fatigue, and improve overall efficiency.

The Connection Between Fun and Productivity

1. Boosted Morale
   Studies have demonstrated that employees who engage in fun activities at work, especially in creative fields, have higher morale and job satisfaction. Happy employees are more motivated and productive, and this is especially vital for UX Design teams and creatives who rely on enthusiasm and creative energy.

2. Enhanced Team Collaboration
   Creativity often flourishes in collaborative settings. Fun activities, such as team games, can foster better collaboration and team dynamics, which is essential for UX Design teams working on intricate projects.

3. Stress Reduction
   Fun activities serve as stress relievers, helping employees, including UX Designers and creatives, unwind and alleviate the pressures of work. Reduced stress levels can lead to higher productivity, particularly in fields where attention to detail is paramount.

Fun Ideas Tailored for UX Design + Creatives

Now that we've established the benefits of fun and taking breaks at work, here are some creative ideas to infuse fun into your office environment, specifically tailored for UX Design teams and creatives:

1. Design Thinking Game Room
   Create a dedicated game room with puzzles, design thinking exercises, and brainstorming games to encourage innovative problem-solving.

2. Designers' Studio
   Establish a studio where creatives can explore their artistic side through painting, sketching, or crafting during breaks.

3. Meditation and Creativity Space
   Create a serene meditation and relaxation area to help UX Designers and creatives rejuvenate their minds during breaks.

4. Design-Themed Challenges
   Organize design-themed challenges or competitions that allow team members to flex their creative muscles and collaborate.

5. UX Lab Playground
   Set up an interactive UX lab with user-testing equipment and prototypes for hands-on experimentation.

6. Collaborative Design Board Games
   Board games that encourage strategic thinking and teamwork can foster creativity and collaboration.

7. Creative Exercise Classes
   Offer creative exercise classes such as yoga or dance to provide physical and mental breaks.

8. Outdoor Breaks
   Encourage teams to step outside for a walk, have a picnic, or simply enjoy the fresh air and change of scenery. Try walking during a virtual meeting.

9. Lunch Excursions
   Encourage team members to go out for lunch together, exploring new culinary experiences and taking a well-deserved break from the office.

10. A Quarterly Photo Contest

    Organize a captivating quarterly photo contest, featuring carefully curated categories for participants to explore and capture over the course of each quarter. Culminate the period with an engaging ceremony, during which the finest photographs in each category are not only celebrated but also subject to thoughtful critique. This provides an invaluable opportunity to delve into the elements that elevate these images to excellence, fostering a dynamic environment for both appreciation and improvement in the art of photography. Learn More

Incorporating fun into your workplace, particularly in the context of UX Design teams and creatives, not only combats burnout but also enhances creativity and productivity. It creates a more vibrant and enjoyable work environment, fostering teamwork and reducing stress levels. So, as we return to the office, let's rekindle the spirit of creativity, make room for fun, and watch our UX Design teams and creatives thrive. After all, a happy and creatively engaged team is a productive one!

A photo of my teams on a field-trip to the MoMA in San Francisco, CA.

My team releasing stress, at the Break Room in Atlanta, GA

Video Editing Credit: @Rick Hoeye

A jam session with designers at the Meraki office in San Francisco, CA. Jojo Yang on the drums.