October 2024 Newsletter
October 1st, 2024
Welcome to the Fun Enterprises Newsletter
October 2024
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Kids and Family
Halloween, Thursday, October 31, 2024
30 Best Easy Halloween Face Paint Ideas That Even Unartistic Parents Can Attempt
75 Best Family Halloween Costumes for the Entire Household
Spend a frightfully fun Spooky Bear Halloween weekend in Ptown October 31 - Nov 3, 2024
Haunted Houses & Halloween Attractions in Massachusetts
Fall Festivals in New England: Top 23 Most Unique Spots
Thanksgiving, Thursday, November 28, 2024
50 Best Thanksgiving Menu Ideas for Any Style Feast
51 Fun Thanksgiving Activities That Will Keep Every Turkey Busy
Fall conference Season is here!
Look for us at these conferences.
Ed Session Block 1 - Friday 10am-10:50am
Michael Miller - True Colors (c) *Part of the Leadership Track*
Dave Zamansky - Improve Meeting and Retreat Productivity Through Experiential Activities - Audience is Mid Level Professionals
Anecdotes and Advice from AC
AC Anders, CMP.
VP of Corporate Events
Have a question for AC?
Please reach out to directly at [email protected] or
617-838-5691
Building Bonds, Boosting Business
The ROI of Employee Engagement Programs
Over the past decade, companies have increasingly recognized the value of employee engagement programs. These initiatives—ranging from wellness programs and team-building activities to summer outings, holiday events, and networking lunches—are designed to enhance employee satisfaction, camaraderie, and retention. As these programs have grown in popularity, one key question remains: Are they truly effective, and how can companies measure the return on investment (ROI)?
The Growing Trend in Employee Engagement
In today’s highly competitive job market, employee engagement has become essential for organizations looking to attract and retain talent. Research shows that highly engaged employees are 17% more productive and exhibit 21% greater profitability for their companies. As a result, many organizations have prioritized engagement initiatives, recognizing that satisfied employees contribute directly to the bottom line.
In discussions I’ve had with clients, many have highlighted the value of these programs in building community and fostering connections among their teams. One client noted that implementing a monthly social hour significantly improved employee attendance on those days, underscoring how even simple activities can make a meaningful impact. Another client shared that face-to-face contact is the best way for managers and supervisors to truly connect with their teams. While work-from-home (WFO) options provide flexibility, they emphasized the importance of maintaining in-person interactions to build stronger relationships.
Other clients have touched on how workplace wellness programs allow employees to feel valued as individuals, rather than just numbers. These programs, which often focus on mental health, stress management, and overall well-being, help foster a sense of care and commitment from the employer.
Wellness Programs: A Holistic Approach
One of the most prevalent types of engagement programs is wellness initiatives. These programs aim to improve employees’ physical and mental well-being and often include gym memberships, fitness challenges, mental health resources, and stress relief programs like on-site yoga and meditation sessions. According to a 2022 survey, 52% of companies now offer some form of wellness initiative, and 77% of those companies reported seeing positive outcomes in employee health and productivity.
Stress management programs are becoming particularly important as workplace stress continues to rise. The American Institute of Stress estimates that stress costs U.S. businesses around $300 billion annually due to absenteeism, reduced productivity, and healthcare costs. By incorporating wellness programs with a focus on stress relief, companies are not only supporting employee well-being but also addressing the financial toll of stress-related issues.
Measuring Success: The ROI of Engagement Programs
Quantifying the success of engagement programs can be complex, but several metrics have proven effective for measuring ROI:
- Employee Retention Rates: Employee turnover is a significant expense, with the cost of replacing a single employee estimated to be between 50% and 200% of their annual salary. Companies with high engagement programs report 24% lower turnover, saving on recruitment, training, and onboarding costs.
- Employee Satisfaction Surveys: Regular feedback from employees is crucial for determining the success of engagement programs. A Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) study found that companies with high engagement levels experienced 14% higher employee satisfaction, directly correlating with productivity gains.
- Productivity Metrics: Engaged employees are more likely to exceed expectations. Data from Gallup shows that companies with strong employee engagement see 22% higher productivity. Additionally, organizations with highly engaged employees report 18% higher sales.
- Participation Rates: Engagement programs’ success can also be measured by employee participation. A high level of involvement indicates employees find value in the initiatives. For example, wellness programs that see 70% or higher participation typically report a reduction in healthcare costs and a decrease in sick days.
- Health and Wellness Outcomes: For wellness programs, companies track key metrics such as absenteeism, healthcare claims, and employee health improvements. Organizations with strong wellness initiatives see a 28% reduction in sick days, leading to a 5.8% overall improvement in productivity.
The ROI of Engagement Programs in Numbers
A comprehensive study by the University of Warwick found that happy employees are 12% more productive, while disengaged employees can cost companies 34% of their annual revenue. Additionally, businesses with highly engaged workforces see an average 233% increase in customer loyalty and 26% lower employee turnover, according to Gallup.
These statistics underscore the tangible value of employee engagement programs. Although some initiatives, such as summer outings or holiday events, may seem difficult to quantify, the overall impact on workplace morale and loyalty is clear. Investing in engagement programs is not only about improving employee experience but also about driving measurable business outcomes, including higher productivity, better retention, and ultimately, stronger profitability.
Sam’s picks for practicing gratitude.
I have always loved Fall and the feelings it brings. I love the crisp autumn air, the falling leaves, everything pumpkin spice, and the anticipation of Christmas right around the corner. In my earlier years, I really didn’t care for Thanksgiving. I enjoy the food and time with family, but it didn’t become a favorite until I shifted my perspective of what I thought it was to what it truly is, a time to remember all that you have and be thankful for it. Here are my tips to practice gratitude this season and beyond. One thing I always am thankful for, is our clients. It may sound cliché but when anyone asks if I like my job, you all are the highlight of it. I love that after 20+ years with this company, I have literally grown up with some of you. Thank you for being a part of our FUN Family.
Make it a tradition
Each year, my family buys a craft pumpkin that we have dubbed “The Thankful Pumpkin”. Every morning from November 1st up until Thanksgiving, each of us will write down one thing we are thankful for. This may sound difficult, but we have yet to run out of things to put on that pumpkin. From trivial things like coffee to important things like the health of family and loved ones, you will find this to be a really nice way to engage with the other members of your household, and as a bonus, you will have decorations to display for years to come!
Make their day
It is easy for people to feel unseen in this hustle bustle world we live in. Especially, when we are all gearing up for the holidays, it’s important to thank people for the impact they have on your life. Whether it’s buying a cup of coffee for your coworkers or making treats for your favorite baristas (can you tell I love coffee?), it’s nice to appreciate others. Maybe you are on a first name basis with your bank teller or have a long-standing relationship with your hairdresser, something as simple as a thank you card can really make their day.
Make it last
While Thanksgiving is a time to highlight all the things we have to be grateful for, practicing gratitude goes so far beyond a holiday. If you make a habit of being aware of all that you have and focusing on that vs. what you desire, it can shift your whole perspective and ultimately change your life. Naming something you are grateful for each day doesn’t have to end with the month of November. You can carry it throughout the year and perhaps you will find the people around you are doing the same.
I’m Not a Speaker and I Don’t Want to be!
by Ken Abrahams
For years, I have worked with Amma Marfo, Dave Zamansky, Joel Christian Gill, and Michael Miller. During that time, I have done the occasional presentation with Michael at conferences or done training for Campus Activity/Program Boards. Over my career, I have even done the occasional Keynote speech, but I am not a speaker and, frankly, it is not something that I want to do. There is a myriad of reasons for that. Often, when I finish a presentation, I am filled with doubt. Did I hit the key points that the group wanted to cover? Was the audience engaged or were they bored? There are always things that I wish I had said, or not said. This is just not something that I have any desire to do professionally.
Because of this, I am even more impressed by the work our speakers do. Over the years, I have seen all of them present on numerous occasions. You would think that after doing this for all these years I would simply stand in the back to show my face, nod, and smile on occasion. After all, I have seen versions of their presentations dozens of times, if not more. Yet, every time I attend a session, either in person or virtually, I find myself mesmerized and hanging on every word. Each session that I am lucky enough to view is full of new nuggets of information to unwrap and a bevy of different ideas and suggestions to digest. It would be easy for this crew to trot out the same topics again and again. To create a simple list of sessions from which every client could choose from. There are many very successful speakers that use this formula. They have a set fee and a finite number of sessions to select from and then they arrive and deliver a presentation and off they go to their next client or engagement.
All the members of our team create new sessions based on what is going on with the client they are working with and how the world we live in is changing. These shifts that we see in both the world and our clients not only mean new sessions but new research and lots of reading and fact gathering. There is no question that it would be simple enough for them to draw from their own experiences, and surely there is some of that in their presentations, but there is also a lot of information gleaned from studies, reports, and surveys done on the subject matter they are tackling. It is not enough to simply appear before these groups with nothing more than your opinion and observations.
Over the last 10 to 15 years, there have been huge shifts in the audiences that engage our speakers. Many colleges and corporations are faced with a rapidly changing population with diverse needs. Both markets are dealing with issues now that weren’t present a decade or more ago. As a society, we weren’t talking about Neurodivergence or seeing the number of people, in a wide range of ages, talking about anxiety issues. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion were being discussed but it was not the focal point then that it is now. Mental health didn’t have the focus in the early 2000’s that it does today and of course, until about 5 years ago, COVID was not a concern. All these changes mean that a speaker today needs to rethink and rework their sessions. Not only do they need to be knowledgeable about the issues, but they must also be able to help their clients create strategies to deal with the complex problems of today.
These are not topics or problems that I feel equipped to deal with, so it is best to leave this to the professionals. For those that know me, I am rarely at a loss for words or an inability to pontificate on a wide range of subject matters, but tackling some of the more serious issues of the day is not in my comfort zone. If you are having issues in your organization, perhaps one of our knowledgeable presenters can help. Rest assured they will be far better equipped to assist than I am.
Ken Abrahams at 617-347-0720
or email [email protected]
Fall events are trending
by Debra Holland
For many people, summer time is the best season of the year. With its warm weather, beach days, and family vacations, it is hard to beat. But in recent years, it seems the trend is changing and the fall season is increasingly becoming a favorite for many. With pumpkin spice, nights by the fire pit, fuzzy socks, and sweater weather, what's not to love? There is leaf peeping, state fairs, apple picking, hay rides, and corn mazes galore happening everywhere during the fall months. It's also a pretty competitive wedding season, with some brides opting for the cooler weather. I mean who wants to sweat in the dress, right? Stores and retailers are all decked out in fall colors and, of course, Halloween displays are getting bigger and more popular on every street. In addition, Thanksgiving was reportedly the number 1 most liked holiday in the US in 2023, among all generations (read the article).
Fall is also a great time for corporations to host employee parties and events. Yes, winter wonderland and ugly sweater parties are still a great choice for the holidays, but a fall event can be much easier for employers without having to consider religious affiliations or finding a date that works during the busy holiday season. We’ve put together some ideas for an amazing fall employee events.
Corporate events can capitalize on the seasonal vibes by incorporating rich autumn colors, warm lighting, and thematic entertainment.
Whether you host a fall event or not, decorating your office space always provides a warm setting for your employees.
Halloween Themes: Spooky, but sophisticated. Think elegant masquerades, mystery dinner parties, or even escape room experiences. Employees can engage in fun, team-building activities while being immersed in a unique atmosphere. If the budget is tight, perhaps a "trunk-or-treat" in the office parking lot for your employees and their families. The company provides the candy and everyone wears costumes.
Cozy Aesthetic: For more low-key gatherings, create a warm, inviting setting with rich textiles, soft lighting, and comforting seasonal foods. Adding acoustic performances, storytelling corners, or live art installations can provide entertainment that enhances the ambiance without overwhelming the event.
Thanksgiving Themes: A great turkey day spin on a traditional team building event is to host a team thanksgiving meal/lunch with your employees. Choose a space, deck it out with the cozy aesthetics from above and ask each employee to bring in a dish that is traditional to their family, employers can fill in the basics. Your employees will enjoy sitting down to a special meal with coworkers and sharing their traditions with one another. This is a perfect opportunity to express how thankful you are for all of their hard work.
Giving Back: Community is so important and taking care of each other should be on the top of everyone's list this holiday season. There are so many different ways to help those in need that your team should have no problems finding something that fits. Even if it's just putting a box in the lobby of your offices for donations - food, clothing, books, school supplies, unwrapped presents, anything helps. Find something that your team will feel good about doing.
If you're unsure of what type of event to host this year, ask your team what they'd prefer. You may be surprised by the answers you get back. Millennial's may prefer a Halloween theme and Gen X may prefer a more traditional holiday theme. But no matter what type of party you host, getting your team's input increases attendance as people who are involved in the process feel more included and are more likely to attend the event. Happy Fall Y'all!
UGH! It’s Election Season
by Ken Abrahams
We are a little more than 5 weeks away from the election. For a political junkie like me it used to be like the Olympics. Every four years we gather to elect or re-elect the president, our entire House of Representatives, one third of our Senators and countless statewide and local public servants. It was fun and educational. There were the conventions and stump speeches. Politicians laying out their view of your town, state or our country. Daily there were pictures of candidates eating breakfast or a burger at a local diner and countless opportunities to watch debates or hear candidates live. Friends and family members would engage in lively discussions about who they supported and why but in the end everyone’s voices were heard and rarely if ever were friendships ended over it.
Those days are long gone and hard to find. Today’s political climate is at an entirely new level. Many people refuse to discuss who they are voting for or if they are even voting. Discussions seem rarely to be about policy and much more about personality. Many of our politicians’ act like petulant children or schoolyard bullies calling their opponents names and slinging mud far more frequently than addressing issues. It leads many of us to wonder is this the best we can do. With over 250 million adults of legal voting age, we should be able to find better candidates. Candidates that want to do the serious work we as a country need done.
Look at some of the problems out there, homelessness, Opioid use and deaths, poverty, mental illness, our flawed prisons and justice system, a huge and rising national debt, war in the Mideast and Ukraine, a world that is literally getting hotter every day, vanishing wildlife species and in the US education costs that are making it impossible for more Americans to attend college annually. There are serious problems out there that need thoughtful solutions not the infighting and backbiting that we are left with.
This impacts all of us including FUN. We used to do things around the election like taking peoples pictures with life size cut outs of the President and their opponent, can you imagine the reaction to that in this day and age. Policies that politicians enact impact the cost of the goods and services we use and so they impact the clients we work with. Probably what impacts us most is that elections now seem to put people in a foul, defensive, buttoned up mood. Perish the thought of doing an election returns watch party or anything on or around election day.
Remember as we spend the next 5 weeks listening to the same rhetoric over and over that none of this is worth losing a friend or a family member over. Just because someone is voting for a certain candidate doesn’t make them evil, stupid, or trying to destroy the version of America that you have. They simply see things differently than you do. If you are reading this and wondering which party I am talking about it is both parties, neither is immune or above this. Some candidates in some races are better than others but the dysfunction I am speaking of crosses political lines. This election season please keep an open mind and give others grace and space. Enjoy the election and one thing is for certain come January 2025 there will be a different occupant in that big white house on Pennsylvania Ave.
*Subject to Availability
Call 781-436-3187 or email
Ken Abrahams ([email protected]) for College/University Events
AC Anders ([email protected]) for Corporate/Private Events
Brainteasers
1. What has a head and a tail but no body?
2. What goes up but never comes down?
3. What is so fragile that saying its name breaks it?
Math Riddles
1. I am four times as old as my daughter. 20 years from now, I will be twice as old as her. How old are we now?
2. Find the next number in the series 7645, 5764, 4576, ……….
3. If 7 is transformed into 13 and 11 into 21, what does 16 become?
Kim's Corner
Click the links below for some great ideas, recipes, and FUN!
Trivia
1. Which U.S. state has named apple cider their official state drink?
2. What percentage of a pumpkin is water?
3. Retailers tried to rename Black Friday in the 1960s. What was the failed title that they gave it?
Gardening
What to Do in the Garden in October
Dos and Don’ts of Autumn Yard Work
Fall Lawn Care: Essential Tips To Protect Your Yard
Have you viewed Ken's Tuesday@10 Video Blogs?
Puzzle Answers:
1. New Hampshire
2. 94%
3. Big Friday
1. A Coin
2. Age
3. Silence
1. My Age = 40, Daughter’s Age = 10
2. 6457
3. 31 (7 x 2 – 1 = 13; 11 x 2 – 1 = 21; 16 x 2 – 1 = 31)
Newsletter written and edited by
Debra Holland
October 2024
Thank you for visiting!
