OVER THE EDGE

Over The Edge: Things that should be allowed at work

Brad Wadlow
@BradWadlowMyCJ
  • I can almost see the 'uh-oh' in the thought bubble above my General Manager/Editor Paul Grzella's head now.
  • Pajama Day: Wouldn't it be nice to sit at your desk and toil away in your jammies one day a week at the office?
  • Holding daily meetings in a comfortable setting, such as a hot tub.
  • Installing a dance floor in an empty office. Bust a move (just not a leg or a hip) and work out some of that workplace frustration.

As I write this week's "Over The Edge," one of the things trending on Twitter at the moment is the topic, Things That Should be Allowed at Work (https://twitter.com/hashtag/ShouldBeAllowedAtWork?src=tren​).

I can almost see the "uh-oh" in the thought bubble above my General Manager/Editor Paul Grzella's head now.

So, I've decided to transcribe what's in my thought bubble at the moment to the column that you are now reading.

I just hope no one bursts my bubble.

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For better or for worse, twisted or even more twisted, here are some of my thoughts:

  • Three-hour nap breaks. Sure, it may sound unproductive, but just think how productive your employees will be once they wake up (and, at least in my case, have three cups of coffee). Having a breakfast buffet at the ready would certainly be a plus but is by no means a requirement.
  • Pajama Day: Wouldn't it be nice to sit at your desk and toil away in your jammies one day a week at the office? Although, if you're taking public transportation into work, be prepared for some stares on your way in. And, don't slip on those slippers until you get to work. You don't want to be wearing soggy, snow-soaked slippers all day.
  • Facebook/Twitter breaks. Oh, sure, many employees use Facebook and Twitter to promote their work. But I could really use some time to rescue my farm on FarmVille 2 from being completely condemned.
  • Trampolines. If you're having trouble shattering the glass ceiling, this could help. Unless your ceiling's not actually made of glass. Your workplace might also want to invest in an office EMT should any employee knock themselves out trying to break that glass ceiling.
  • Holding daily meetings in a comfortable setting, such as a hot tub. Although, I wouldn't advise bringing in any important paperwork. While I'm on the subject, how about spa days? Imagine going over the latest budget figures as you're experiencing a hot stone massage. Doesn't seem that bad now, does it? 
  • Bring your pet to work. Imagine your rambunctious puppy running through the office corridors, knocking over wastebaskets and barking at every customer who comes through the office door, or your cat perched on your desk watching your every movement. 
  • Prank calling your co-workers. Break up your co-workers' day (and your co-worker) with a prank call. Although, these used to be more fun until they invented Caller ID.
  • Installing a dance floor in an empty office. Bust a move (just not a leg or a hip) and work out some of that workplace frustration. I'm all for that, just don't ask me to limbo. I'm in limbo enough as it is. And, I don't want to be in bed nursing a backache for at least a week.
  • Watch those streaming video series you've been neglecting while you work.
  • Karaoke hour: Believe me, after five minutes of my singing, everyone will be dying to get back to work. But, just to be on the safe side, I'm off to practice my rendition of Led Zeppelin's "Immigrant Song."

Do you have a suggestion for something that should be allowed at work? Drop me an email at bwadlow@gannettnj.com and let me know!

Brad Wadlow

Brad Wadlow's Over the Edge column appears Fridays. Follow him on Twitter: @BradWadlowMyCJ. Email: bwadlow@gannettnj.com.