Do you and your coworkers start the week on Monday or "MOANday" morning? In Looking Forward to Monday Morning, Dr. Diane Hodges, a former human resources director and school administrator, shares numerous staff appreciation and recognition activities that can be implemented to promote a positive work environment. She also presents low-cost, fun ideas that staff can do at work during meetings, holidays, lunchtime, etc. that help them look forward to coming to work. The book and the presentation help people make each day a "FUNday" morning.

Enjoyment, fun, laughter, recognition, and appreciation... these are the things we can’t get enough of... these are things that contribute to the quality of our lives... these are things that we can contribute to our workplaces to help enhance our own lives and the lives of those around us.

Appreciation—people are hungry—starving for it. Recognition for a job well done is a key motivator for employees and studies show that it is even more motivational than money. But many managers don't understand how powerful it is. They often don't think about giving that recognition or lack the time and creativity to think of ways to show it.

There is a correlation between the way employees are treated and the way they treat their customers/students/colleagues. People frequently leave jobs when they don't feel appreciated and are less productive prior to their departure. Rather than attending to the job at hand, they are focused on preparing their résumés for the next job. Most recognition comes from colleagues and there are learned techniques that make it even more meaningful.

Having fun at work is very important. Walt Disney's quote says it all, "You can dream, create, design, and build the most wonderful place in the world, but it takes people to make the dream a reality." Dale Carnegie adds, "People rarely succeed unless they have fun at what they are doing."

Drive your staff and colleagues HAPPY with these ideas.