Culture, Calm Seas and Laughter: Why every team benefits from a bit of lightness
At People Business we know how important it is to stay connected with one another, build team spirit and have some fun! Talk Like a Pirate Day (Friday 19th September) gives us a great excuse to embrace this with a pirate voiceover and video – we think that this may be a first for a HR and talent development consultancy!
Enjoy the video in pirate speak but note that this piece has been ‘translated’ in to modern English below. The message here is a serious one – workplace culture matters and it doesn’t hurt to introduce some levity.
Stress levels at work require attention
79% of UK employees are experiencing moderate-to-high stress levels. Organisations face constant pressure: strict deadlines, fast-paced digital change and high expectations. In environments where everything must be strictly professional, sustainable performance and employee wellbeing often suffer.
True workplace culture is shaped not only by formal policies and processes, but by the everyday human interactions that allow people to express themselves, to connect and to feel safe. Even with a strong structure and high standards, organisations prosper when individuals are encouraged to be more than just their roles.
Encourage a workplace culture of connection
Signs of burnout are becoming more common with 63% of UK employees now showing symptoms like exhaustion and disengagement, up from 51% two years ago. A workplace with only rules and rigid expectations experience a higher risk of this. Effective team building not only improves relationships but also creates a culture that supports long-term success. It builds trust, helps lower stress and enhances overall motivation. When leaders show authenticity, including the willingness to share humour, they promote a more human and resilient culture. With the support of HR for opportunities for connection, it demonstrates that people are valued not merely for what they do, but for who they are.
Creating a culture of connection does not require grand gestures or constant spectacle. Practical steps can make a real difference:
- Providing quiet or rest areas
- Introducing a regular wellbeing hour or session
- Recognising small achievements across teams
- Encouraging check-ins that focus on individuals’ wellbeing, not just tasks.
Enjoyment is not a distraction from professionalism. It is part of a healthy, sustainable culture.
The benefits of a workplace culture that embraces lightness
A workplace that embraces lightness in its culture tends to:
- Retain staff more effectively
- Attract high-quality talent
- Reduce turnover
- Maintain resilience during challenging times.
Practical actions for HR and the leadership team
Leadership and HR play crucial roles in embedding this approach:
- Demonstrate the desired culture through behaviour and communication
- Introduce routines and activities that promote recognition and shared moments
- Protect non-working time, such as rest breaks and lunch periods
- Celebrate qualities such as kindness, teamwork and effort, not just results
- Seek feedback from employees about what makes them feel seen, supported and engaged.
The focus of events such as Talk Like a Pirate Day extends beyond themes or costumes. They highlight a broader point: work can be both highly productive and genuinely positive. Organisational culture can be kind. HR can guide the path toward both performance and wellbeing.
People Business is committed to helping organisations build workplaces that people enjoy coming to—where connection, spirit and humanity are as much part of the fabric as excellence. If you would like to talk to one of our consultants about how we could help, please get in touch.
