HR Soapbox Blog

Forget The Toy Chest, Toys Belong On Our Desks!

(Published January 5, 2009)

For Christmas, my dog (with some help from mommy) bought daddy a Sports Spud, which is a six-inch Mr. Potato Head decked out, in this case, a Washington Redskins jersey. It comes with several components you can mix and match, such as a foam finger, football, different faces, etc. When I (er, the dog) purchased it, I instantly thought, "What a great addition to daddy's desk at work." The more I thought about it, though, the more I realized that I'm the one who is most likely to bring toys to work.

It's not like my desk is covered in toys. In fact, all I've got is a four-inch gray kitty stuffed with beans that sits atop one computer speaker. No other toys...that the casual observer can see. In one desk drawer, I've got two mini balls with arms, legs, and alien heads. In another resides a six-inch Tigger who jumps all over the place if you pull his string.

Why did only one toy make it to the top of my desk? Maybe it's because Tigger's orange clashes with my décor. Or maybe it's because I'm afraid someone will steal my alien balls that cost 25 cents each. I think the real reason, though, has more to do with not wanting to be that person whose workspace is stockpiled with toys. You know who I'm talking about.

But when I really stop to think about it, what's wrong with having toys displayed in your office? Of course, I realize that doing so isn't appropriate in every workplace. But in workplaces like AHI, which aren't generally frequented by the public and in which almost everyone has their own office, I think toys can be just the low-cost stress reliever you've been looking for.

On more than one occasion, I've taken the kitty off of my speaker and kneaded its bean-filled body in my hands as I worked through writer's block. I find that fiddling with something helps me to work through whatever is stumping me at the moment, don't you?

Now I'm not saying we should all run out to Toys 'R' Us and go crazy, but I don't see anything wrong with adorning our workspaces with a few fun items. Not only can they help us reduce our own stress, but they can put a smile on the face of a stressed co-worker who stops by.

Melissa V. Pomerantz
Editor

Posted by Eileen Mager at 12/31/2008 9:42 AM

I personally would be lost without my boxing giraffe and poseable Spiderman (with 26 points of articulation!) And no HR professional should be without a magic 8-ball.
Posted by: HR Pandora at 1/6/2009 12:29 PM

I totally disagree....that is like going "casual Friday" every day - and losing respect for ones surroundings and those with whom you work, for, around, etc. One toy might be ok, but some people trash out their desks - like eating "one potato chip" - they cannot stop at one....pretty soon toy's, picture frames, mementos overtake the work space....
Unless the person is fastidiously neat and always organized untidy will reign - and the work that one does is likely to reflect the desk also. Do go back to judging a book by it's cover first, a worker by their desk, and bring back some self respect, and good manners in the work place.
Posted by: Carol - Tippers Mom at 1/6/2009 3:28 PM

Even one of our top executive gives small toys as gifts on occasion (my co-worker and I have stress-reliever toys from her on our desks). I also have a Rubik's cube, stress ball, AFLAC duck and (yes) a Furby on my desk. We get a lot of stressed-out folks in the HR department and having something to "play" with in their hands puts a smile on their faces and helps them discuss the issues on their minds. There is no lack of respect in our company, but there is a lot of compassion and humor that helps everyone do a better job. My desk may not always be neat - but my work gets done and I enjoy my job and the people I work with! My desk's appearance is not everything and has nothing to do with my effectiveness, self-respect or manners.
Posted by: PLR in HR at 1/6/2009 4:00 PM

I used to think more like Tipper's Mom, but I do workplace investigations and do problem resolutions, which can often be quite stressful. When I'm having a meltdown, taking a moment to look at my few desk toys and photos of grandchildren puts the world back in perspective. I do a good job and don't think management judges me on the number of toys in my office. They judge my performance. I do think you can go overboard, but I see no harm in having items in your office (where there is not a lot of public traffic) that make your surroundings more pleasant in which to spend long work days.
Posted by: Kay at 1/6/2009 4:21 PM

And I thought I was the only one with a "Magic 8 Ball"...A friend/co-worker who was moving bought it for me as a joke because everyone always thinks I should have all the answers! But I also have an "easy button" and a clever flip sign with cute notes like "out of my mind, fell free to leave a message" or "Chaos, Panic, and Disorder, my work here is done". Some days, especially in HR, you just have to have something to make you laugh!
Posted by: SB at 1/6/2009 4:29 PM

Having toys shows people we are human too, not just the dreaded HR policy police. I have a quirky calendar that makes me smile and my "easy" button for those rare moments something was actually easy! Pictures and mementos from vacations help ease the stress in what can be a very stressful job.
Posted by: JC at 1/7/2009 10:04 AM

in order to get the logicial side of the brain functioning properly some folks need to get the creative side moving. to do so, fiddling with some toys on the desk is a great way to open up thought passages. i cannot work in a place that wouldn't allow it. it's just not who i am. in fact in the few times i went out interviewing looking around at potential co-workers desks is a great way to see check on the culture of the workplace.
Posted by: tracy at 1/7/2009 10:49 AM

Someone gave me an antenna ball which I displayed and soon the employees made it their calling to begin a collection for me. I proudly have them displayed in my office window. I love to see an employee actually smile when entering the dreaded HR office. How can you not smile at a "Jack in the Box" ball with a Happy New Year Hat?
Posted by: Texas Teresa at 1/7/2009 10:53 AM

My only "toy" is also an "easy button" which everyone enjoys pushing! However, my walls are covered with my adult toys - all things hockey, my favorite sport! It is calming to me to be surrounded with my personal collection and the men seem to find it fascinating that I have such an extensive collection.
Posted by: Paula at 1/7/2009 10:58 AM

I can not imagine my office without some toys, pictures,or sports logos warming the space. Most of what is displayed came from my employees as gifts. I would not insult them by hiding the bond we share.
Posted by: Terri at 1/7/2009 11:10 AM

I only have toys and crayons in my office because sometimes I ahve to bring the Dragonette in to work with me.

Honestly! I (almost) never play with the hopping frog, hug the stuffed frog for comfort on bad days, use crayons when the highlighter dries out, or use the wrist-mounted laser to direct your attention to this part of the spreadsheet.

And I think that 25 photos of the Dragonette (not including ones on my screensaver) is just the right number for my office.

Now if only someone would do something with the piles of work on the desk, I'd be happy.
Posted by: Dragon Lady at 1/7/2009 11:30 AM

I too have a "magic 8 ball". My boss has come in looking for an answer and jokingly, we pick it up. We spend so much of our lives at work, why not have things that calm us or bring a smile to our & others faces.
Posted by: Donna at 1/7/2009 11:39 AM

I have been in the office of the CEO of a multi billion dollar corp. Not only were there "toys", but an entire wall of glassed in cabinets filled in addition to the fireplace, seating area, and separate washroom.So with that, why not have your cubical or thin walled office as comfortable as possible for you?
Posted by: Curt at 1/7/2009 11:59 AM

Mine is a whole row of AFLAC ducks, lots of smiley faces, a jar that says "Ashes of Problem Employees" that gets lots of comments but I love my sign that says "Everyone brings joy to this office - some when they enter - some when they leave" - they always want to know which they are! I'll never tell!! Yes our CEO, CFO, Sr everything has their welcomed toys - but we're all business!
Posted by: Dee at 1/7/2009 1:26 PM

I feel very sorry for those who work with Tippers Mom. I can only imagine how unhappy that workplace must be. I happen to be a very anal retentive, picky person who would much prefer to have my office as organized as possible and my desk arranged in an orderly fashion. With that being said, my office contains a dragon stained glass window, Sylvester office supplies, several cats of various types, and a variety of stress balls among other "toys" - all usually arranged very neatly.

It is quite possible to be organized, effective, and productive, and gain and retain the complete respect for your capabilities and intelligence from your co-workers and superiors while proudly displaying your toys. It is not necessary to impose a rigid, outdated, tyrannical regime on the workplace in an attempt to maintain productivity and a semblance of order.
Posted by: Beth at 1/7/2009 1:33 PM

Where can I buy a Magic 8 Ball?
I do believe in enjoying the journey! There is no law against smiling, laughing and being pleasant while you work. (At least MOST of the time there is no law against it) Remember the seven dwarfs--whistling while they worked? I know we are not dwarfs working outside but a person can intermingle fun and work. So somebody get back to me on where I can get a Magic 8 Ball!! Have a good day.
Posted by: Julie at 1/7/2009 1:42 PM

I keep an actual crystal ball on my desk. It's great.
Posted by: dd at 1/7/2009 9:30 PM

Whoa....I didn't think we should be so judgemental...Give Tipper's mom a break. We don't know where she works, what if it's manufacturing and stuffed animals can ignite or retail where one group could have pics and toys and cashiers couldn't. We should know the reason behind it before we make those kinds of judgements, at least that's how I run my shop. As for me, I have pics of all my dragons and dragonettes and many stress relief toys both in my draws and on my "desks". Even our receptionist who interacts with 60 to 80 people a day is permitted. Love the eight ball and crystal ball. Thanks for the suggestion. I'll look forward to where we can get them. Happy New Year to everyone!
Posted by: Joann at 1/8/2009 8:54 AM

My collection of toys did threaten to take over my office for a while. I finally bought an attractive basket, filled it with the stress balls, Harry Potter glasses, McDonald's toys, etc. and use it as the centerpiece on my conference table. The extra-special full-sized therapy ball (squishy with rubbery projections) stays under my desk to be pulled out and shared only on the most stressful occasions. I have an "antique" dragon clock, a claw machine with candy, and other items of interest, as well. I also keep a well-stocked supply of tissues. Maybe it's my background as a support group facilitator, but I find that a professional office with a few quirky distractions works great when helping employees. Since I've lightened things up, turnover and disciplinary actions have decreased, and grievances are virtually non-existant. I am a bureaucrat in government, but I'm not inhuman. Employees and applicants seem to get this.
Posted by: Belynda at 1/15/2009 4:13 PM

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Forget The Toy Chest, Toys Belong On Our Desks!