Why Fun at Work Isn’t Just Nice - It’s Necessary

Most of us have been taught to chase success at work - but what if we’re missing the real key to thriving? In this episode of Hello Monday, host Jessi Hempel sits down with Bree Groff, a transformation expert and author of Today Was Fun: A Book About Work (Seriously), to explore how injecting fun, curiosity, and just a little mischief can spark real change in our work lives.

Drawing on her experience advising companies like Google and Microsoft, Bree shares why fun belongs at the heart of workplace culture - and how even small shifts can unlock creativity, connection, and real results.

Tune in to hear Bree’s take on:

Why professionalism sometimes gets in the way of our humanity
Why making fun a core value can transform workplace culture for everyone
The surprising impact of small acts of mischief and music on team
How “Do Nothing Days” can spark innovation
Why friendship at work matters more than we think.

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00:00 - Intro: Work is more than just productivity
02:20 - Why work feels different across generations
04:11 - The “do what you love” narrative and its impact
08:07 - Technology, change, and remembering what matters
12:40 - The Power of “Do Nothing” days
15:00 - Creativity, micro-mischief & breaking routines
18:04 - Debunking professionalism
20:12 - Rethinking workplace attire
22:02 - Fun as pathway to connection
25:22 - Meaningful workdays with people you enjoy
26:44 - Final thoughts