Work and fun. Those words might not normally go together, but the truth is that the happy worker is a productive worker. We all spend a lot of time at work, so if you aren’t constantly looking for ways to lighten the mood and have a laugh, you run the risk of not living your busy working life to the fullest.

Some people have the luxury of really enjoying a fun job that they are really passionate about, but for the rest of us who stare at computer screens and sit around at lengthy board meetings, let’s look at three easy and practical ways to inject a daily giggle or two.

1. A fun environment

Some people love getting home at the end of the day because it puts a smile on their face. So why not try to put that smile on your face when you get to work, too?

If you work in an office cubicle, for example, put up a picture that makes you smile – like a reminder of a great outing you had with friends, for instance, or a hilarious home-made Mother’s Day present that your little one tried their best on.

2. Make each other laugh

The only thing better than smiling is laughing, because what the world really needs in 2016 is humour.

So every chance you get, try to inspire a giggle. Yes, you need to be professional at work, but a quick laugh doesn’t take much time and a brightened mood is one that is ready to concentrate harder on the next task.

So if you receive a funny email or see a hilarious Facebook post, forward it to your co-workers and brighten their days, too.

3. Create an office sports team

In truth, work is work – it really shouldn’t be a laugh a minute. But that doesn’t mean you can’t really get to know your co-workers, make great friends with them, and give you all something to giggle about on that coffee-break.

One great way to do that is to organise an office party, and another is to create an office or workplace-based sports team, like indoor soccer or netball. That way, when you’re all being serious and super-busy, you will look at each other and see not only your work mate, but also that fun-loving and healthy team-mate.

There are millions of other ways you can make the otherwise drab working day just a little brighter, so we’d love to hear your ideas in the comments.