In the business world, more and more emphasis is placed on being paperless. Technology is utilized in new ways to process high volume work more efficiently. Automated processing helps large corporations provide quicker turn-around times and decreases costs. Well-qualified Information Technology specialists are prized workers as they are responsible for keeping work flowing from one department to another.
But what happens when internal computer systems go down? Inevitabye, there will come a day when something behind the scenes causes a glitch in the system, or at worst, a complete shutdown, that requires a temporary halt to processing work.
In some companies, there are still paper alternatives. As more companies become paperless, however, when computer systems are down, there isn’t much work left for employees to do until the computers are back up. When the choice is either use vacation time to go home or “find something to do” and stay at the office, it’s good to have some ideas to help pass the time.
If you find yourself with some free time during the day due to system outages, here are some options to put your creative skills to good use.
Write a song about work – During Christmas one year, my co-workers and I created an insurance industry version of “The 12 Days of Christmas” using some of the policies and procedures from our department.
Write a story that takes place in your office – I still have the story about an ornery leprechaun who caused havoc roaming through the office at night.
Draw a picture of your ideal cubicle – Create your vision of a fun and productive workspace. Would it be colorful and whimsical, or more modern with minimal decoration?
Color coordinate your office supplies – Raid the office supply cabinet in search of matching Post-It notes, pens, highlighters and notepads. Find colors to match your alma mater’s team colors or your favorite Hogwarts house.
Create a Post-It Note flipbook – Whether you are a skilled artist, or like me, can barely draw stick figures, come up with a short tale you can illustrate on Post-It Notes. Each page is a slight movement of the character, and when complete, flip through to see your story come to life.
Write a eulogy for an office plant – Whether it’s your own plant or one sitting in the corner of the lobby, plants are a prominent feature of most offices. Take a close look at a plant in your area, and think about how it would want to be remembered. Strong leaves? Tall and straight? How do those characteristics translate to human characteristics?
Write a poem from the point of view of a stapler – Ever thought about what office supplies do when you’re not around? Okay, maybe that’s one for Pixar. Think about what a stapler might have to say about his day at the office, or maybe what its dream is if it ever gets off the desk.
Design a new logo for the company – If you had the chance to create a new logo and brand design for your company, what would it look like? Refresh the look with different colors and font. or something completely new?
Create new restaurant items based on favorite books or movies – Have you ever been in a restaurant or bar where they name their meals after people or places? The Elvis Presley pancakes with peanut butter and bananas, or the Aaron Rodgers burger topped with three kinds of Wisconsin cheese could be popular choices. Think of your favorite sports figures, movie stars, or even local celebrities. What might they ask for on sandwich or pizza if they pick any toppings?
(**Please note that if your office requires you only do work related things even when the computer systems are down, I am not responsible for the consequences should you choose to use one of these ideas rather than actually finding something work related to do. Or, you can be sneaky and look busy.)
What other things can you think of to do on days when the computer system is down and there’s nothing else to do?
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