The recessed economy has affected everyone in one way or another. People have lost their jobs, businesses have had to scale back or close down altogether, and everyone is stressed out. Even those people who still have their jobs live in fear every day of losing them. Stressed out employees aren't very productive, which just makes the situation even worse, and creates a negative work environment. It may seem counterintuitive, but one way to improve productivity in the office is to encourage slacking off.

You don't want your employees to slack off all the time. But regular, albeit infrequent morale boosters may be just what your employees need to feel valued at work, thereby helping them to work more efficiently and productively. There are a few things you can do without even leaving the office to help decrease your employees' stress, and still get the work done. Some things to consider are a casual day, a potluck lunch, and in-office game equipment like dart boards.

If your office doesn't already have a designated casual day, usually a Friday in those businesses that do allow it, then create one. It's the simplest way to give a small morale boost to your employees, especially if you work in an environment that requires formal business dress. Be sure to set some guidelines such as no jeans, no T-shirts, and a minimum length for skirts. No one should come to work dressed like they're ready to work on the car or go out clubbing. But people can be comfortable while maintaining a professional demeanor by wearing things like khakis, polo shirts, or casual dresses. Giving your employees a day when they can be comfortable while they work can help to ease a little bit of stress.

Everyone has to eat, and sometimes it's a pain to either bring food from home, or find a place near work to eat lunch that won't take up too much time, and is affordable. Sometimes people will even skip lunch to keep working, which isn't always healthy and can, over time, build some resentment. If employees feel like they're never getting a break from work, they can feel overburdened and stressed out. Make some time for them to enjoy a good meal by organizing a potluck lunch. Let people choose what they'd like to bring, but make sure you get a good variety of main dishes, side dishes, and desserts. Find out if the company can provide the utensils, cups, napkins, and maybe beverages. You don't want to put the burden for everything on the employees. That just makes it seem like more work rather than a break. Allow at least an hour for everyone to enjoy their meal and socialize with their coworkers. If your business is one that receives a lot of phone calls, have a few employees take turns manning the phones so no one person is stuck at their desk while everyone else is enjoying lunch. If it goes over well, you can make it a quarterly, or even monthly event, if everyone is willing.

Games can not only be stress relievers, and give employees a break from work, they can also promote productivity. Games require the brain to work, but in different ways, whether it's answering trivia, or doing some sort of math. This will help keep your employees sharp while allowing them a fun respite from the workday. One thing you can do is hang a dart board in the break room. Dart boards don't take up much room at all, and can be available whether a group of employees plays a few games during lunch, or a couple of people just throw a few darts during their coffee break. Some boards, like Winmau dart boards, can be purchased with cabinets, so when the board isn't in use, it can be put away so it's not a distraction.

Giving your employees a break, and letting them know you're concerned about their health and well being will go a long way toward helping them work better, and maintaining your company's success.