Workplace culture has evolved tremendously in the last few decades. This evolution has increased the importance of creating a positive and engaging environment that allows workers to perform their best because they’re happier to be there. Humor is one of the main ways that companies have been able to reduce the rigid workplace culture.
While not all humor is appropriate for the workplace, allowing employees to connect with their coworkers with humor is a perfect way to build an environment workers want to be in.
One of the most simple but effective ways to do this is to let workers add funny stickers to their space. Funny work stickers help lighten up the workplace while still keeping things professional. They allow workers to share more of their personality while connecting with those with similar senses of humor. When workers are in better moods, their overall productivity increases.
Stickers are a great way to help the crew or employees feel more comfortable at work. Whether they want to put a Grim Reaper or Princess sticker on their notebook, coffee maker, or desk, they can help remind everyone that work doesn’t always have to be serious.
Benefits of Adding Funny Worker Stickers to the Workplace
A sticker might seem minor, but it can be incredibly impactful at work. One study by BrightHR shows that 79% of employees surveyed believe that having a little fun at work leads to higher productivity. So, what are the benefits of having funny stickers at work?
Team Bonding
Stickers are a great conversation starter whether you have young or older workers. They allow those who might not normally communicate outside of strict work-related scenarios to build rapport.
While you don’t have to be best friends with everyone at work, the better the rapport, the easier it is for work to get done without conflicts and other issues stemming from a lack of bonding. When employees can share a laugh and joke, their jobs become more manageable. Bonding helps strengthen the team and improve overall communication at work.
Stress Relief
High-pressure work environments can be hard on workers, even when they love their jobs. A small visual element, like a sticker, to make them laugh or smile throughout the day can help ease their stress.
They can be a quick brain break for men and women who might be having a particularly challenging day. While it seems simple, seeing the sticker on the desk, laptop, or nearby might be what they need to reset and refocus on the job.
Enhanced Creativity
Even industries that aren’t creative can benefit from a little creativity at work. Something seemingly as silly as a sticker can inspire someone when you least expect it.
Adding some creativity to the work environment also shows that the boss and workers are more welcoming compared to a bland workspace. Funny elements around the work environment or zone can help stimulate innovative thinking and improve problem-solving tactics.
Improved Work Atmosphere
While there are positives to leaving personal life outside of work, having some form of self-expression at work can help improve the overall work atmosphere. When a company allows workers to add stickers to their stuff, it shows that the company values their worker’s happiness and choice to express themselves.
Plus, people will feel more comfortable being themselves while still maintaining professionalism. When employees feel more relaxed, they’re more eager to work hard and remain at the company long-term.
Choosing the Right Stickers for Different Workspaces
Every company is different, and the atmosphere they’re trying to create at work varies. That’s why if you’re incorporating stickers at work, choosing the right ones will be key to building the work environment you want. Some companies are okay with light humor, while others might be okay with slightly darker humor in the workplace.
Understanding the workspace, whether it’s more traditional, casual, or highly creative, will help you determine the right types of stickers for it.
Traditional Office Settings
Despite being more traditional, certain office settings can still support workers sharing their stickers with employees and anyone walking by. These stickers might include things like:
- Professional inside or industry jokes
- Subtle humor
- Work-appropriate puns
- Clean, minimalistic designs
- Motivational messages
Some appropriate graphics for these stickers might be of an animal, like a dog, pet chicken, or cat, a coffee or tea cup, or anything humorous but widely considered professional. A mom or dad could have stickers on their desk that remind them of their kids or a best friend to help them stay positive throughout the workday.
Creative Industries
Creative industries might be more relaxed regarding the type of stickers allowed. Stickers might even become so popular within the creative setting that they become gift ideas for the whole team. These environments might be okay with stickers that include:
- Bold colors
- Pop culture references
- Artistic illustrations
- Clever wordplay
- Industry-specific jokes
- An inspirational phrase
Many companies in these industries encourage cute stickers, which make the job easier and spark creativity when it’s really needed.
Manual Labor & Industrial Industries
Employers might be far more relaxed about stickers at work in industrial or manual labor industries. When on the job, employees might add stickers to their coffee cups, water bottles, lunch boxes, or hard hats if it’s required for their role.
Many of these employers are okay with less-than-professional language. Some stickers that you might see within these industries are:
- Safety-themed jokes
- Tool-related jokes
- High-visibility stickers that you can see in the morning or night hours
- Durable, weather-resistant stickers
- Industry-specific terminology puns
Even though these industries tend to be more lenient with humor, it’s important to know that not every company has the same guidelines for self-expression.
How Funny Worker Stickers Align with Company Branding?
Spending money on stickers for work might seem useless, but beyond helping employees express themselves, it can also align with company branding. So, investing money in these stickers can make employees smile and increase brand awareness. Here are some ways worker stickers can align with a company’s values:
- Choose color schemes that match the brand’s colors
- Create designs for personal decorations
- Consider placement guidelines that adhere to the environment's harmony
- Establish clear, professional guidelines for those who want to bring their own sticker to work
- Prioritizing employee satisfaction will lead to a better work culture, work-life balance, and teamwork
- Stickers can be an invaluable tool to help build brand awareness inside the company and out
Allowing employees to add a funny sticker or five to their belongings at work is one of the best ways to increase employee satisfaction while aligning with company culture.
It’s amazing what a simple sticker can do to help encourage hard work. By embracing the trend of stickers at work, you’ll likely see an increase in worker relationships, communication, happiness, and overall productivity.