Fungineering@Work
Synopsis
This case flyer focuses on the issue of inducing fun at a workplace and the manner in which this forced fun might boomerang. The accompanying article highlights the increased interest of organizations in creating a fun-filled work atmosphere and the various initiatives taken by them towards fulfilling this objective including, gamification of work tasks and hiring consultants to construct a ‘Gross Happiness Index’ for the workplace, etc. However, the expectation of maintaining a cheerful facade on a day-to-day basis, might in turn act as a new pressure point for the employees. Can creating a fun-filled workplace turn into a bane instead of a boon? How can companies prevent the continuous expectation of putting forth a cheery appearance from translating itself into an emotional labour for its employees?
Expected Learning Outcomes
- • How great places to work are created?
- • Can fun at work be induced or imposed?
- • How can a happy work-force be created?
Positioning and Setting
This case flyer can be used in the following course:
Organizational Behavior – What is Organizational Culture? – How organizations should focus on creating a fair and unprejudiced work culture instead of trying too hard to induce or impose fun at work.................
Suggested Orchestration
Before the Case Flyer Discussion
a) The students were asked to visit the Great Place to Work® Institute’s (GPWI) website for the ‘World’s Best Places to Work For®’ and FORTUNE’s list of the ‘100 Best Companies to Work For’.
b) Firstly, they were asked to compare both these lists with each other for any form of similarities/dis-similarities. Next, they were asked to analyze these lists, independent of each other, for a period of 3 years (2010-2013).
c) Both these comparisons would help students assess which companies have remained stable in their rankings and which of them have experienced a major fluctuation. This would also help students to probe into the probable factors that might have been taken into account while deciding these rankings. It would also sensitize them towards understanding why one corporate brand was ranked higher or lower as compared to the other.
d) Most importantly, prior to the actual classroom discussion, the students were encouraged to analyze all the questions given in the case flyer (either individually or in learning teams or in appropriate discussion forums) to enable them to participate effectively and to enrich the learning outcomes.
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Exhibits
Exhibit (TN)-I: Preferred Company for Life-Long Employment
Exhibit (TN)-II: Inducing Fun at Work
Annexure
Annexure (TN)-I: Board Plan
