Fun in the workplace – is that a contradiction in terms?

Not if you work at Rosenberg Advertising. Since its inception, president David Rosenberg has always fostered a positive work culture of light-heartedness and fun.



Of course, an advertising agency should have an environment that lends itself to creativity, for the sake of our clients. But clients are not the only beneficiary of such a mindset.

According to Mary Rau-Foster (author, attorney, certified mediator and nationally known speaker specializing in workplace issues) an environment of fun and laughter in the workplace provides many benefits to an employer.

Studies have proven that people who have fun on the job are more productive, better decision makers, more creative and get along better with co-workers. They also have fewer late, sick and absentee days than people who are not having fun. Let’s not forget that boredom can lead to burnout and a higher turnover rate! Boredom-breaking activities can lead to greater tolerance for carrying out tedious, repetitive tasks.

Of course, the use of fun and humor in the workplace must be appropriate and non-offensive. It is meant to teach people to not take things so seriously. Lightening things up effectively reduces the level of intensity and conflict among employees.

Out-of-office activities help management be seen as team players, who can relax and enjoy life and others as well. They can also level the playing field for those competitive types. These company-planned activities go far in cultivating a positive corporate culture.

“There is something magical about a company that has the ability to see that happy, laughing employees are good, productive and loyal employees,” says Rau-Foster. “This magic can be equated to a productive and financially profitable workplace!”

Some of the ways Rosenberg employees have had fun together over the past 28 years:

• Friday afternoon games of P.I.G. in our backyard basketball court.
• A pinball machine and massage chair in the office – great stress-relievers!
• Brainstorming sessions on the roof of our office building.
• Annual company holiday parties, battling it out either at the bowling alley, toboggan slopes, WhirlyBall court or laser tag field.
• Traditional hay-throwin’ hay ride at Patterson’s Farm.
• Spending the day as a company volunteering with the Boy and Girls Club, and the Salvation Army.

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