If you are bored at work, you are not alone. We are forced to spend 8+ hours per day at the office, staring at the screen, often pretending we are busy. However, there is a good chance you will not have enough work to fill the entirety of a workday. Furthermore, the majority of office work is boring – similar to those TPS reports prominently featured in the Mike Judge classic Office Space. Fret not, our fun specialists are here with 5 ideas to break up the monotony at work to ensure you have a ball while killing time.
Pop in an Earbud
You can listen to a podcast or discreetly watch Netflix on your smartphone by putting a single earbud in your ear. Don’t pop in two earbuds as there is a chance your boss will walk by and question why you are tuned into entertainment as opposed to work. If you want to watch a video on your phone, position it in your cubicle between a couple objects for proper concealment. Place a small personal mirror in your cubicle so you can spot people approaching you from behind. This way, you can pretend as though you are working yet listen/watch something entertaining, ultimately killing time up until your next break.
Slide Into Those DMs
DMs are direct messages, in case you didn’t know. There is no better time to “shoot your shot” in the DMs than when you are bored at work. Slide into your muse’s DMs and it just might work out to your advantage. If your employer monitors your web use, be sure to use your personal computing device to send the message. You have everything to gain and nothing to lose by spending the time you would otherwise waste shooting your shot with the man or woman you have your eye on.
Plan a Work Retreat
If you work in human resources, are a manager/executive or have any level of influence at your company, you have the power to suggest a work retreat that actually has the potential of coming to fruition. Use your downtime at work to dream up some big plans for you and your coworkers. Think about all the fun group events you could partake in during a retreat at a local outdoor center, camping ground or other space.
Brainstorm Your Next Money-making Move
Wouldn’t it be nice to get paid to figure out ways to make money outside of work? You have the opportunity to do just that if you are bored at work. Bust out the pen and paper and start brainstorming ways to add to your income. Just be sure to keep a work document close by so you can slide it over your money-making “To Do” list before a curious coworker looks down over your cubicle.
Shoot Baskets, Cubicle-style
Clear out all of your old files and other paperwork that takes up space in your cubicle. Position your wastebasket as far away from your chair as possible. Crumple up those old pieces of paper and launch them into the basket one-by-one. Keep track of your shooting percentage so you can try to top it the next time you are bored at work.
