Why Serious One-to-One Meetings are a Thing of the Past

Hello there, my fabulous readers! Are you ready to play? Today, we are going to talk about the importance of regular one-to-one meetings with employees and how adding a little bit of fun and playfulness to these meetings can do wonders for both the employees and the company. 

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Let's start with some hard facts: did you know that companies that invest in regular one-to-one meetings with their employees have a higher chance of retaining their top talents?  

According to a study conducted by Gallup, employees who have regular meetings with their managers are 3.5 times more likely to be engaged in their jobs. This means that they are more likely to stay with their companies, be productive, and contribute to the growth of the business. 

On the other hand, not holding one-to-one meetings can have a negative impact on employee morale and performance. When employees feel that their managers are not invested in their growth and development, they may become disengaged, lose motivation, and ultimately look for opportunities elsewhere.  

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In fact, a study by Gallup found that employees who do not feel valued by their managers are twice as likely to quit within the next year. 

But wait, there's good news! Incorporating playfulness into one-to-one meetings can help to break down barriers and create a more open and comfortable environment for both the employee and the manager. This can lead to more honest and productive conversations, which can ultimately lead to better performance and growth for both parties. 

Now, I know what you're thinking - "playfulness at work? Is that even possible?" Yes, my friends, it absolutely is! Research has shown that playfulness can have a powerful impact on workplace relationships and performance.  

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According to a study published in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, employees who perceive their supervisors to be playful are more likely to feel supported, experience positive emotions, and have higher job satisfaction. 

So, how can companies add a little bit of fun and playfulness to their one-to-one meetings? Here are some ideas: 

  1. Start with an icebreaker: Begin each meeting with a fun question or activity to get the conversation flowing. For example, you could ask your employee to share their favourite childhood memory or play a quick game of "Two Truths and a Lie." 

  2. Incorporate gamification: Turn your one-to-one meetings into a game by setting goals, tracking progress, and offering rewards for achievements. This can make the process of performance reviews and feedback more engaging and motivating for employees. 
  3. Get creative: Use props, visuals, and other interactive tools to help illustrate your points and make the meeting more engaging. For example, you could use a whiteboard to sketch out ideas or use a deck of cards to brainstorm new strategies. 

  4. Encourage playfulness: Don't be afraid to let your guard down and have a little bit of fun with your employees. Show them that it's okay to be playful and creative in the workplace by leading by example. 

But, you may ask, what about the seriousness of one-to-one meetings? Don't worry, adding playfulness to these meetings doesn't mean sacrificing the importance of them. Instead, it's about finding a balance between productivity and enjoyment. 

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In fact, a study published in the Journal of Management found that employees who have fun at work are more creative, more productive, and more likely to stay with their companies. So, incorporating playfulness into one-to-one meetings not only creates a positive environment but can also lead to better results for the company as a whole. 

Now, are you ready to take action and start incorporating more fun and playfulness into your one-to-one meetings?  

If so, I have a special gift for you! Sign up for my free checklist, "The Performance Playground: A 1:1 Checklist for Fun and Success," which includes tips and ideas for adding playfulness to your one-to-one meetings. With this checklist, you'll be able to create a more engaging and productive environment for your employees, which can lead to increased employee satisfaction and retention, improved performance, and ultimately, greater success for your company. 

So what are you waiting for? Sign up for The Performance Playground today and start experiencing the powerful impact of regular one-to-one meetings and playful activities in the workplace. Trust me, your team will thank you for it. Here is the link to sign up https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/247431/85171320664360183/share 

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In conclusion, regular one-to-one meetings with employees are crucial for their growth and development, as well as the success of the company. But adding a little bit of fun and playfulness to these meetings can take them to the next level. By incorporating icebreakers, gamification, creativity, and encouragement of playfulness, managers can create a more positive and productive environment for their employees. So, don't be afraid to add a little bit of fun to your one-to-one meetings - your employees (and your company) will thank you for it! 

Speak soon  

Tamzin xoxo