Use these four feel-good strategies to spice things up around your workplace and get to know your colleagues on a whole different level.
1. Start a Get-Fit Group
The holidays are almost here, and with them comes temptation, shorter days, and thinner wallets. Why not try to boost spirits while you trim your waistline with a workplace weight-loss support group?
Programs such as Weight Watchers and Body for Life are low-cost and work well with groups. Weight Watchers offers a special "At Work" plan in which a leader will come to your workplace to direct weekly meetings. According to Weight Watchers, more than 10,000 U.S. companies have hosted "At Work" meetings.
Body for Life (bodyforlife.com) offers a free fitness and eating plan as well as online support. Additionally, there is an annual contest that has a group category. Firefighters, gym teachers, and members of U.S. Armed Forces have all participated , lost weight, and found a new level of fitness and camaraderie in the workplace.
2. Sponsor a Charity or a Charitable Cause
When you're shooting the breeze with colleagues in the lunchroom, what is it that you're all passionate about (beyond work issues)? Education? Hunger? The environment? Animal protection? The arts?
Investigate opportunities to apply your passions in a charitable capacity in your community. Sponsor a child who needs school supplies. Help a family celebrate the holidays or purchase their first home. Teach computer skills to workforce returnees. Start a volunteer dog-walking group to lend a hand at your local shelter.
If you're not sure where to start, visit this site for opportunities in your neighborhood.
3. Start an Investment Club
Instead of spending money on expensive lunches, use your lunch hour to make more money through investing.
You and your coworkers will enjoy the benefits of pooled knowledge so you won't be flying blind or making foolish investments on a whim. It's a great way to learn about the stock market while earning some extra cash. And the initial amount of money you can invest may be as little as $20 a month. If your company prohibits an investment club, consider creating a money-free club that will allow you to learn about stocks and follow them without any financial commitment.
4. Start a Book Club
Recruit your coworkers to form an in-office book club. Meetings can be hosted during lunch hours, and joining may give you an opportunity to expand your circle of work friends as well as diversify your reading experiences.
If everyone at your company is motivated to climb the ladder, consider starting a business book club in which you read and discuss books related to the work you do, and how you can apply what you've learned at your company.
