Keep Employees Happy and Productive; Recess At Work Day

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2011-05-18T08:39:00.001-04:00

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June 17, 2010 is Recess At Work Day

2010-04-19T09:59:00.003-04:00

Click here to join our Facebook Fan Page

Click here if your organization is participating in Recess At Work Day 2010

More Pics!

2009-07-15T10:06:00.003-04:00

Now these folks in CT know how to hold a Recess. Hats! Shirts! Woo-hoo!!!

Order yours not just for Recess, But any day. Visit http://richdigirolamo.com/products

And the pics are coming in from Recess At Work Day 2009

2009-06-23T10:24:00.007-04:00

The "kids" in Mechanicsburg PA blowing up balloons. But where is the water?

Way to go Community Options. Costumes. Cake. Love it!

And it looks as if the folks at Reside LLC in Minneapolis took a recess as well. Check out their celebration at: http://www.reside.biz/blog/2009/06/22/reside-celebrates-recess-at-work-day/

How We Spent Our Recess At Work Day,,,,,

2009-06-18T16:51:00.009-04:00

Where else can you visit with the paparazzi, a prom queen, a pretty princess, pippi longstocking, eat with someone who almost drowned in the ocean, someone who rode a horse across the Golden Gate Bridge, someone who was on TV with Richard Simmons, or someone who saved a duck from an alligator?

Or see a walking poster, someone in a poodle skirt, a perplexed poet? Not to mention the picnic type, incredible food..from pudding, pie, pizza, pasta, pink cake, and many more plates of fruit and salads.

And what about the fun 2 lies and a truth. All this at our 3rd annual Recess At Work Day. We all had great fun!! It certainly does boost morale. Thank you! Pictures will follow soon.

Submitted by Wendy W. at Community Options in Colorado

And let's not forget Recess with Teresa!

It's Recess At Work Day!!!

2009-06-18T12:05:00.005-04:00

HAPPY

Well Recess At Work Day plans here in the Northeast have been postponed by Mother Nature. We are in day 40 of rain. So here I am sitting in my office deciding what to do for Recess now that my visits to clients have been derailed.

And then I came up with an idea.........................

I organized a last minute Recess with a couple of other entrepreneurs and decided to include you. So here's the deal.....................

Join Michelle, Theresa and Rich for Recess today. And there's a Free "Is It Recess Yet?" beanie cap & T-shirt to 1st person to find me Starbucks Watertown CT 2:15PM

Happy Recess!!

Tomorrow is Recess At Work Day!

2009-06-17T12:29:00.005-04:00

But if you happen to be in CT today..................... this could be your lucky afternoon.

I've got a Free "Is It Recess Yet?" beanie cap & T-shirt to 1st person to find me at Barnes & Noble Waterbury CT 3:00PM. http://tinyurl.com/mllpc5

In the meantime don't forget to check out the Recess At Work Day website.

Whether it be employee morale, employee engagement, or health and wellness, Recess At Work Day is a great addition to all your other ideas.

And of course visit our Facebook page

Add Humana to the list

2009-06-16T12:06:00.006-04:00

Yep, just heard that Management at one of Humana's facilities in WI has invited all to come down for a Recess At Work Day celebration. They're holding it on Friday instead.

Who cares! Any day is good for a recess that increases morale, engagement, and wellness.

I tip my beanie cap to the management team at Humana!

Hmmm.............Maybe this is the beginning of Recess At Work Week?

2009-06-11T08:12:00.005-04:00

For Immediate Release
Wolcott, CT June 10, 2009
Contact: Rich DiGirolamo 203.879.5970 rich@RichDiGirolamo.com

Want to Increase Employee Morale and Engage Employees? Think About Taking a Recess on June 18th
Healthier employees perform better, innovate better, and work better as a team. June 18th is an opportunity for employees and employers to take a break from the stress of today’s economic worries and celebrate their successes. June 18th is Recess At Work Day.

It has been proven that breaks are essential for satisfaction. But what does this mean to an employer? Well according to Rich DiGirolamo, Founder of Recess At Work Day, it’s simple……..Breaks lead to satisfaction; and satisfaction easily transfers to increase morale, reduced employee stress, more engaged and healthier employees; ultimately having a positive impact on productivity, absenteeism and profits. Now in its 6th year; Recess At Work Day is the perfect complement to any Health and Wellness or Employee Engagement Initiative..

Tiffany Metzler of the Mechanicsburg, PA School District had the following to say. “The district wellness committee decided to implement Recess at Work Day this year. It is important for our district staff to continue to strengthen relationships and have some fun at the end of the school year. This picnic will allow the staff to come together for some teambuilding, using a proven fun and games approach. What’s better than fun and games to celebrate team success!"

Years ago DiGirolamo was part of a team in need of reducing stress and chaos during a data center conversion. Long hours, project setbacks, and negative reactions to change were just some of the challenges. To alleviate some the chaos, lunch got replaced with a short walk to Rye Playland (Rye, NY) and a couple of trips on the Dragon Coaster. Remembering the benefit of those breaks from the norm, DiGirolamo, now a professional speaker, presenting Employee Morale and Engagement Programs, founded Recess At Work Day as a complement to already existing employee wellness, morale and engagement initiatives. Past and present participants include GE Capital, Covidien, Iroquois Pipeline, WorksafeBC and Community Options. A visit to the Recess At Work Day website reveals it has been a big hit with big and small companies alike.

So how does one celebrate Recess At Work Day? It’s simple says DiGirolamo. “There are no rules. Just take a break from the daily work routine and engage in something fun. The possibilities are endless. Spend some time learning a foreign language with your peers. Engage in a fun communications or creativity exercise as an exercise in innovation. Rewrite the Employee Handbook – humorously. These are some of the examples offered by DiGirolamo. Keep it cheap or spend lots he says. But he does warn that this has to be a piece of a bigger Employee Wellness program

So only one question remains…….Is it Recess yet? Almost; June 18th is fast approaching.

For more information about Recess At Work Day, or to schedule an interview with Rich DiGirolamo, call 203.879.5970 or visit www.recessatworkday.com

Take a Recess from That Old Way of Meeting

2009-06-09T16:32:00.005-04:00

Last week Wendy from Community Options in Montrose, CO called me. They were planning their 3rd Recess At Work Day and decided to add some fun to their team meeting next Thursday. And what better way..... using The Meeting Playce Mat (TM).

I'm sure they'll have a lot of fun. It will probably be one of the most productive meetings ever held. Happy Recess Wendy!

A couple of quick Recess At Work Day Ideas

2009-06-06T09:21:00.003-04:00

Still not sure how to spend Recess At Work Day? How about doing a good deed?

Perhaps take your team and do something for your community. Contact a local Parks & Recreation Department and see if you can help with a clean up; plant a garden or tree.
Or perhaps visit a local youth services group and see if you can offer advice, counseling or guidance to the future business leaders of........perhaps your company?

There are so many ways to take a Recess; on June 18th and every day. Make it part of your employee morale, employee engagement or corporate wellness program.

Recess Shirts For Everyone!

2009-05-26T12:40:00.002-04:00

Woo Hoo!

Hats off to the folks at Covidien. They're going all out with Recess this year. A corporate health and wellness break with Recess At Work Day T-shirts for everyone!

Nice job folks. Can't wait to see the pictures!

But more importantly, can't wait to hear the results on employee morale, employee engagement and so much more.

Mechanicsburg PA is celebrating Recess

2009-05-14T09:37:00.002-04:00

Way to go Tiffany M.; convincing the School Superintendent that a Recess is needed and deserved. The Health and Wellness Committee of this municipality "gets it." They understand that healthy minds require an opportunity to laugh, learn, play and be creative. Let us know how your plans are shaping up Tiffany. And of course, send us pics.

June 18, 2009 is Recess At Work Day

2009-04-06T16:46:00.002-04:00

Just heard from Covidien, Iroquois Pipeline and W.B. Mason. All three are participating. Are you?? Check it out at RECESS AT WORK DAY

Still More Pics! More Fun! More Recess!!

2008-06-27T16:12:00.004-04:00

In between the picnic, here is what the kids at Iroquois Pipeline did for Recess! Way to go Karin and crew.

More Pics. More Fun. Recess At Work Day!!

2008-06-25T12:15:00.005-04:00

Recess At Work Day went international - Canada this year!!! Here is the gang at WorkSafeBC taking time out to pose for their Recess picture. Can you guess who Kymm is?

Check out June 20th post below to see what all the costumes are all about. Click on the picture to make it bigger. I love you wild Canadians!

More Pics. More Fun. Recess At Work Day!!

2008-06-25T09:18:00.006-04:00

Here's what Linnea from Training Resources of America had to say:

"I held recess at work and am attaching the pictures. We had to have indoor recess because of the rain but everyone got time away from their desks and computers to just relax and enjoy each other. I did give out funky pens and pencils to do the indoor activity.We have decided to have recess once per quarter and will be going on a field trip to Ben and Jerry's in Salem for recess in August!"

Was Your Recess a Success?

2008-06-22T14:04:00.007-04:00

Here's what the kids at Community Options did; 2nd year for them. And read below what they had to say. Canoe key pace he grit? Community Options had our 2nd annual recess at work day. We had a fantastic time. We began by walking down the hall a la Monty Python and the Ministry of Silly Walks. We all brought a bit of the 60's to the room. We played Mad Gabs and shared stories from the 60's. thanks for reminding us that laughter is the best medicine. Last year we had 25 job openings and were crazy!~!!! This year we have only 6!!! We have a lot to be thankful for!!!!! Enjoy our photos... And here's what WorkSafeBC had to say:

Rich,

That was by far the most fun we have ever had in this office!!!!! Thank you for a brillant idea!! I am off tomorrow - thank goodness - I'll try and send you some pics on Monday - we had a team of superhero's - a team of cowgirls/cowboys - a team off hospital staff - and a team called See Ya Later - because 1/2 of that team is retiring within the next year - the teams went out on a 30 min Scavenger Hunt - IN costume - people all over town were laughing - one team told a lady what they were doing and she wanted to know if she could come along and help!!

Kymm

Happy Recess At Work Day!

2008-06-19T08:40:00.003-04:00

Today's the day; to take a Recess in the name of Employe Wellness. Make it fun. Make it simple. Make it productive. And if you're still trying to convince the boss..................find out what CNN, 1800Mattress and Recess At Work Day all have in common? Read this article right now. It's not too late to celebrate.

Have a Happy Recess.

OMG, Tomorrow is Recess!

2008-06-18T08:54:00.003-04:00

Adding to the list of people who are going to take a recess tomorrow..................

Ashley and Lisa at the world's only Corn Palace in Mitchell, SD. I spent some time chatting with them yesterday on my visit and they loved the idea of Recess At Work. As a matter of fact, so many people stopped us on the street to ask what and why. (I guess having 5 of your friends wearing the T-shirts helps!)

So we're off to continue to spread the word about Recess.

And thanks to Mike, Mud and Mihalik for sharing Recess with your WNCX listeners. You guys are the bomb!

Employee Morale Up, Health Insurance Down.

2008-06-16T07:44:00.003-04:00

It's really very simple................Your Employer wants to control health care costs. Your employer wants to increase morale around the office. Wellness is the answer.

According to a recent Health Care Cost Survey by Towers Perrin, companies that actively manage employee health and medical program performance "will see annual per-employee costs of about $1,500 less than low performers in 2008."

And how is that done. It is done through education. It is done through information. It is done by taking an interest in the employee while he or she is at work; by offering outlets of fun and learning. Why not take a Recess? Why not start this Thursday?

Rich DiGirolamo will be talking about this concept with the Nebraska Recreation and Park Association and the Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society in the near future.

_________________

Need a Humorous Health and Wellness Speaker for your next event. Rich DiGirolamo might be just what your insurance plan ordered. Check him out at http://healthandwellnessspeaker.com/

It's Not Too Late To Invite Splenda to Recess

2008-06-15T13:21:00.004-04:00

She's the perfect addition to any Recess. She's Splenda!

So if you're in CT, and looking to spice up your Recess At Work Day, check out her website. She's a hoot - or at least a hooter.

Recess is alive and well in Cleveland!

2008-06-13T10:57:00.004-04:00

Rich is appearing on WNCX Radio (98.5), Cleveland - Monday morning June 16th to talk about Recess At Work Day!

Make sure you're listening around 9:15am!

How about a Hall of Fame Recess!

2008-06-13T07:43:00.006-04:00

Do you live in Springfield, MA, home of the Basketball Hall of Fame. Maybe Recess at Work Day is your opportunity to shoot some hoops with your co-workers?

Do you live in or near Cooperstown, NY, home of the Baseball Hall of Fame. Maybe Recess at Work Day is your opportunity to swing a bat with your co-workers? (That was swing WITH not AT)

Do you live in Cleveland, OH, home of the ROck & Roll Hall of Fame. Maybe Recess at Work Day is your opportunity to get a small office band together or have some fun with Karaoke or Guitar Hero.

Wherever you live, work or play, don't forget....................... June 19th is almost here. Have you got your recess plans? Have you got your Recess At Work Day Gear?

How To Be A Good Employee

2008-06-11T08:32:00.002-04:00

Here are 5 simple things you can do to make the boss like you.

Show up for work on time
Offer to pick up a loose end for someone else
Take on a new project with enthusiasm
Offer new ideas to your leadership (like suggesting Recess At Work Day as a morale and wellness opportunity; not as play time!
Never bad mouth another employee.

Read the whole article here

Now this is how you spend recess!

2008-06-08T16:25:00.002-04:00

Looking for an idea on what to do for Recess!!Look what WorkSafeBC had to say:

Rich, The t-shirts have arrived!!!! We will have 'don't wear pants because your t-shirt is so long day' ha ha - we'll send you pics - 48 people - 4 teams - 30 minute scavenger hunt - start time 10:15 - when the school across the streets rings the recess bell!!! Kymm

Now these kids know how to play!! Do you have your t-shirts. Click over on the image on the right!

15 days till Recess!

2008-06-04T15:49:00.003-04:00

The excitement is building. 15 days until Recess.

T-shirts and hats are flying out the door. Do you have yours?

It’s Time to Give Employees a Health & Wellness Break. Let’s All Take a Recess on June 19th

2008-06-02T11:27:00.005-04:00

For Immediate Release
Wolcott, CT June 2, 2008
Contact: Rich DiGirolamo 203.879.5970 mailto:rich@richdigirolamo.com

It’s Time to Give Employees a Health & Wellness Break. Let’s All Take a Recess on June 19th

People perform better when they have a chance to burn off some energy. June 19th is an opportunity for workers to take a break and join in some energy burning by taking part in Recess At Work Day.

It has been proven that breaks are essential for satisfaction. But what does this mean to an employer? Well according to Rich DiGirolamo, Founder of Recess At Work Day, it’s simple……..Breaks lead to satisfaction; and satisfaction easily transfers to increase morale, reduced employee stress, more engaged and healthier employees; which ultimately has a positive impact on productivity, absenteeism and profits. Now in its 5th year; Recess At Work Day is the perfect complement to any Health and Wellness or Employee Engagement Initiative.

Having fun at work is more important than most employers realize. “When people are having fun at work, they get along much better” says Jason Kotecki, The Champion of Childhood. “Management issues are at a minimum, meaning more energy can be focused on opportunities for growth. Customers (and the company's bottom line) will benefit from the spirit of fun emanating from the organization. Recess At Work Day is a great idea!"

So how did Recess At Work Day get started? Years ago DiGirolamo was part of a team that needed to reduce some stress and chaos during a data center conversion. Long hours, project setbacks, and negative reactions to change were just some of the challenges. To alleviate some the chaos, lunch got replaced with a short walk to Rye Playland (Rye, NY) and a couple of trips on the Dragon Coaster. Remembering the benefit of those breaks from the norm, DiGirolamo, now a professional speaker on employee matters, created this day as a complement to already existing employee wellness, morale and engagement initiatives. And as can be seen at the Recess At Work Day website – it has been a big hit with big and small companies alike.

Celebrating Recess At Work Day is simple says DiGirolamo. “There really are no rules. Just take a break from the daily work routine and engage in something fun. The possibilities are endless. Spend some time learning a foreign language with your peers. Engage in a fun communications activity. When was the last time your company did some volunteer or community work? These are some of the examples offered by DiGirolamo at the Recess At Work Day website. Keep it cheap or spend lots he says.

So only one question remains…….Is it Recess yet? Almost; June 19th is fast approaching.

For more information about Recess At Work Day, or to schedule an interview with Rich DiGirolamo, call 203.879.5970 or visit http://www.recessatworkday.com/

Want Some Publicity For Your Company

2008-05-31T07:53:00.004-04:00

Is your company taking part in Recess At Work Day? Let me know. I'll do my best to get the media to come talk to you! Click here to email me; let me know your plans and I'll let the media know what you have in store! 19 more days!!!!

Recess in South Dakota!

2008-05-30T08:40:00.003-04:00

Yep, that's where I'll be this year for Recess At Work Day; in and around Rapid City, Mount Rushmore, and Deadwood.

So if you or some organization you know plans on being a part of Recess At Work Day; and you're in one of the areas mentioned above, let me know, I'd love to stop by and say hi - I'll even have a traveling gang of Big Kids with me. We'll be visiting one or two companies that day who plan on taking a break - taking a Recess. We're ready to do our part to improve morale, engagement and productivity. So invite us over to be a part of your celebration - it's free!

Kim & Jason say take a Recess!

2008-05-28T10:36:00.003-04:00

Every so often you connect with people. Last year while attending the National Speakers Association annual convention I had one of those connections with two great Kids - Kim & Jason. Now in addition to being "a few years" younger than me, they are kids at heart. We share much of the same passions and interests; and their spirit and enthusiasm is something you want to be around. And now they're doing it again - sharing the enthusiasm about Recess At Work Day. So visit the link below and click on the "Show Notes" to hear Kim & Jason's great podcast - and of course about their support of Recess At Work Day! http://kimandjason.com/blog/2008-05-27/ea-31-behind-the-scenes-of-sesame-street.html And spend some time around their site too!

Do you have your Recess T-shirts!

2008-05-22T18:59:00.004-04:00

Celebrate Recess At Work Day in style with this great high-quality cotton T-shirt. Click here

Get one. Get two. Get everyone in your office one today!

Recess Really Is For Adults!

2008-05-16T11:31:00.004-04:00

So you're on the fence. Should we organize Recess At Work? Will it be beneficial? Will it have an adverse impact? Listen, any time you can do something that increases morale and bring people together is a good thing; a darn good thing. And if you need proof about the importance of Recess for Adults, check out what these folks do for a living.

Is Your State Committed.........

2008-05-15T08:09:00.006-04:00

So far I know we'll have Recess going on in the following states on June 19th:

New York
Connecticut
Colorado
Florida
Texas
Michigan
Ohio
South Dakota

Any one else got recess plans?

Announcing Recess....................

2008-05-13T10:03:00.002-04:00

Visit the RECESS AT WORK DAY website

Why Recess?

2008-05-11T08:23:00.006-04:00

So people are asking me Why Recess? My response to them is a simple two words.............. Why Not? After all, you work hard and deserve a break every so often. After all, your organization is probably spending manpower trying to figure out how to get employees more engaged and healthier. After all, healthy more engaged employees lead to increased productivity, higher morale, higher retention, lower hiring costs and perhaps (in the long run) lower insurance costs. So Why Not Recess? And why not on June 19th? Start planning today; and don't forget to visit the Recess At Work Day website for ideas on planning your company recess. Now get to work! - Planning Recess, that is.

What are your plans for Recess At Work Day?

2008-05-07T11:37:00.002-04:00

Post them here! And don't forget to spread the word to everyone you know. June 19th is Recess At Work Day!

It's Not All Fun & Games

2008-04-24T09:28:00.003-04:00

Recess: a temporary cessation of the customary activities of an engagement, occupation, or pursuit

Could your workforce use one?

Start planning your Recess today

48 days and counting

2008-04-22T07:23:00.001-04:00

48 days and counting! June 19th is Recess At Work Day. It's time to start planning the big day. Need ideas? Want to see what others do? Need me to contact your boss and explain the importance of regular recess? Just let me know. I'm here to help.

HAPPY RECESS AT WORK DAY!

2007-06-21T07:45:00.000-04:00

Happy Recess At Work Day my friends. Don't forget to take a break today. It does wonders for morale and productivity around the office. But do something different; do something fun. Check out www.recessatworkday.com for some great ideas.

June 21, 2007 is Recess At Work Day

2007-06-18T07:24:00.000-04:00

Hey Kids! Just a few more days until Recess At Work Day. I'd love to hear what your plans are. This is your place to post away. Of course, I'll be monitoring the posts and removing shameless promotion and bad energy.