It's hard to have fun at work during stressful times. People's stress builds after each media report about the recession. They start hearing whispers of a merger, layoff or the all encompassing "restructuring." Managers don't listen. Customers don't listen. The guy that sells sandwiches in the lobby does not listen. Maybe it is just easier to be cranky.

Maybe sales numbers are down this quarter. Clients are taking longer to make decisions. People start to worry about expenses. What happens next? They walk into the next important meeting a bundle of nerves, tension and worry.

It is time to stop worrying and relax.  Stop letting the media feed fears with the dreaded "r" word. Even during an "r" people work. Companies manufacture, transport, distribute, sell, market, advertise, produce, grow, research, develop, entertain, build and purchase. Poeple have to figure out a way to do it without being cranky and stressed. Yes, everyone needs to have more fun.

Yes, people can have fun. And in the process, reduce their stress and help create a more productive, innovative and fun work environment. First, they have to create a foundation so that fun can exist. Here are twelve simple ideas to reduce stress at work and have more fun.

1. Be patient and positive in tone of voice. Sounds simple, but a reassuring and patient tone in a voice will do wonders for teamwork and for helping reduce stress. People will rarely see a stressed, impatient person having fun. Watch people stand in line at the airport. The guy in the suit with three carry on bags and a phone hooked into the Matrix is not having fun. The guy in the Hawaiian shirt and hat made from palm reeds is relaxed and having fun. Same standing in line. Different attitude.

2. Take a break. Again, a simple idea but something that has very real results. Ever try and assemble something from the store? Ever get frustrated? Ever throw the directions across the room in frustration? Stop, take a break, and then reassess. Just a few moments away will give someone the energy to move forward.

3. Think about what makes a great day at work. The next time people have fun at work, they should take a moment to reflect. Write down what happened that made the day so great. What did everyone do? What did they say? That's now a "great day" list. People know what they need. Work toward it. Fun is different for everyone. Remember the kid in high school algebra class who got really excited when he solved a complex math problem? That is fun for him.  For others, math is the equivalent of jury duty, going to the dentist, and cleaning the garage all in the same day.

4. Sometimes people have to ask. If something is bothering a person and causing stress, then they need to speak up and say something. Most people will just stew or whine in the break room rather than speak up. They don't want to hurt anyone's feelings. Guess what? Someone's feelings are being hurt. If someone asks nicely, most people would be happy to oblige and help. They probably don't even know their words or actions are bothering another person.

5. Be in the moment with co-workers. Working in the moment means being focused and connected. Listen to each other. Make eye contact. Engage in the communication process. Try something new: put the e-mail enabled phone down and communicate with the living, breathing person sitting in the office.
 
6. Tell co-workers they are appreciated. Everyone wants positive support at work. When people don't receive appreciation and thanks, they are not very happy. People know how they feel when someone says, "You made a difference," or "Great job," or "I really appreciate your help." They get an incredible feeling right in the middle of their chest. Giving that feeling is a gift. And it doesn't take a budget, plan, or approval. It just takes a few seconds from the day.

7. Create opportunity. We all want the same things from a job: opportunity and positive support. People may want the opportunity to be creative; to be a leader; to help people; or to make more money. When people don't receive opportunity and positive support, they are not very happy. Figure out what kind of opportunity is desired from the job. People need to make sure the company understands what they need to be happy. Again, stand up and say something.

8. Be a better listener. Everyone thinks they are good listeners. In reality, people get into bad habits that prevent them from being good, active listeners. They multi-task. They wait to talk. They play solitaire on their computer during a conference call. Pay attention to listening skills. When people listen, they are more effective as a team; they are better communicators; they are more productive; and they have more fun.

9. Be flexible to change. When change happens, people should ask themselves two important questions: Does this change affect my ability to be happy and successful in my job? Does this change affect the ability of those around me - my family, colleagues, clients, and vendors - to be happy and successful in their jobs? If both answers are no, then a person knows the change is not worth creating stress. 

10. Make a list of everything that caused stress and frustration in the last week. Take a really hard look at what was written. They will giggle. Why? Because most of the things on that list don't matter. Sure, there are some very important items on the list. Most of the items, though, people will forget about in a short time. Why do people forget? Because they really were not that important. When people are in the middle of a stressful and frustrating situation, they should take a moment and ask, "Am I going to giggle about this in a week?"

11. Help teammates (stressed or otherwise) take ownership of their happiness and passion. Too many times, employees let other people's actions or words determine their happiness. Happiness is a choice. Unfortunately, when people give control to other employees, managers, customers, partners, or vendors, they are never very happy.  They have to take back that ownership. People have no control over many things at work. But they always can have control of their reaction and attitude.

12. Don't be afraid to make a mistake. When people are enjoying the process, they are more creative and productive. Why? They are not afraid of making a mistake. They understand they are working in a positive and supportive environment. People are all going to make mistakes. They want to minimize mistakes and learn from them. If people take some of the pressure off, and support each other, they will figure out that they will make fewer mistakes. They will also have more fun.

Fun helps create the energy and passion that fuels productivity, creativity and effectiveness. Without fun, people don't have any fuel. Just like everything, fun is a choice. Each person has to take responsibility and ownership of their fun and their goal to reduce stress.  

Adapted from article by Joel Zeff (www.joelzeff.com), a national workplace expert, speaker, author and humorist.