Fun Sock Friday - a Morale Booster for the Office

Times are tough, people are stressed. Office morale can seem like a thing of the past. Happy employees are more productive but it is difficult to find simple, cost effective and ways to boost morale in the workplace that you can actually implement. This is where "Fun Sock Friday" comes into play. I started "Fun Sock Friday" a few years ago to bolster morale at a job I was working at in the private sector. And since then I have carried it with me to m current position as an Assistant Accountant. I have had men, women, & managers participate. Not everyone will join in, and some will only do it when they are "in the mood".

Regardless if you have a full staff joining in, or if it's just you; it will improve morale. Who can't help but to smile when they see someone in a business suit with full on crazy socks? It shows a bit of our personality. Often we forget the people we work with are not just the person in the next cubicle. They are husbands, wives, brothers, sisters, grandparents, they have lives, and they are real people who like to have fun.

It makes a cute and inexpensive gift for your co-workers if your employer allows employee to employee gift exchanges in their code of ethics. If appearance is an issue, when wearing long dress pants the socks are not visible unless you roll up your cuff to show someone (which I do every Friday, but I show lots and lots of people). I have been quite pleased with the willing participation I have experienced at different work locations. People (employees & managers) have fun with it; it lightens the mood a little without negatively effecting productivity.

The variety of socks available can suite any personality. Dots, stripes, animal prints, starts, hearts, catchy sayings and even holiday designs. Most can be found at your local dollar store or discount store. You can also find them at mass merchandising chains, the quality is better but the price is also higher.

Have some fun with it, get a little silly and show someone your socks! A little laughter often goes a long way. Attitudes good or bad spread like wildfire through an office. Lighten up a little & smile. Work is hard, but it doesn't have to be miserable. Be a trendsetter; liven up your office and your foot wardrobe.

Disclaimer: Be sure to consult your employee handbook for rules and/or regulations regarding dress code. Some institutions will not allow levity in your clothing choices (i.e. uniforms are required or other special circumstances). Ultimately what you wear to work is your decision, and you should follow the guidelines set forth in your company's respective employee handbook manual. Be sure to follow your employer's code of conduct. If you are unsure if this is a feasible morale booster for your organization, ask a superior. The worst he/she could say is no, but at least then you have tried, and maybe they will see that morale does need a boost and may come up with some suggestions of their own, like introducing a casual Friday if it is not already observed at your organization.