Working Hard or Hardly Working: How Socializing on the Job Can Boost Sales

It is no secret that the creative industry is fast-paced and full of thrills, but let’s be honest: at times, it can also err on the side of exhausting. It’s challenging to stream creativity on demand, let alone hammer out original, brilliant concepts day after day.

Of course, it always helps to surround yourself with inspirational assortments like books, magazines and nifty mailers (I’ve caught onto the trend set by my fellow Creatives, marked by a sizable stack of these things on my desk). Sometimes, though, a fun diversion in the workplace is a necessary way to boost morale and productivity. Now that I’ve worked in creative internships throughout Iowa and Europe I’ve realized a noticeable difference between the pace of work in the states versus abroad. But despite the differences in culture and time zones, I noticed that all the companies I worked for shared an important fundamental quality: the ability to balance work and play.

In England and many places throughout Europe tasks are completed in a more relaxed, leisurely manner.  There are breaks for tea or coffee several times throughout the day, lunch isn’t consumed while hunched over a keyboard and a noticeable amount of effort is put into socializing with clients and colleagues during business hours. Work is a top priority among Europeans but it’s certainly not regarded as a “be-all, end-all” indication of a person’s success in life.

On the contrary, office culture in America is more spontaneous, industrious and deadline-driven. Emails are answered promptly—usually within 15 minutes if not a couple of hours after landing in someone’s inbox. It’s common and encouraged for employees to work 40+ hours per week  (especially in today’s economy) and most people don’t take more than a couple weeks of vacation time per year. The dull moments are numbered because you’re immersed in multiple projects. The days breeze by and you generally leave work feeling rather accomplished.

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Still, I wonder: Are Americans driven by their own personal business goals? And how do they continuously manage to invest so much time and energy into their careers without growing exhausted?

I’m not sure I have an answer to that question, but I do know the HRB staff is one hardworking group of professionals. Every day they participate in countless meetings and relentlessly pick each others’ brains for fresh approaches to advertising, media and public relations concepts. They’re not always happy with a final design, timeline or budget but they always put their best foot forward and do it with a smile. Between those conference calls and long hours stationed in front of the computer screen witty banter is almost a necessity. On most days witty banter can be heard across the office, and on occasion, a speeding race car or life-size palm tree can be seen weaving in and out of cubicles—usually tailed by the honorary office dog, Alex (courtesy of Steve Erickson).

Aside from the superb experience that I’m getting as an intern, I look forward to coming into work largely because of my company’s good-natured people and fun creative environment. There’s no telling what diversion might zoom into my cubicle next, but when it does, it’s sure to be greeted with a hearty laugh and lifted mood.