Before we go any further, a reminder of what FUN means in this series.
FUN is not about forced smiles, mandatory participation, or trying to make work something it isn’t. FUN is about creating workplaces where people are allowed to be human — where emotions are acknowledged, curiosity replaces assumptions, and connection is offered without pressure.
That’s why FUN stands for Feelings · Understanding · No Pressure.
And today, we start with Feelings.
Feelings Aren’t a Distraction
Let’s clear something up right away:
Feelings do not distract from work.
Ignoring them does.
Every organization is full of people managing deadlines, decisions, family responsibilities, uncertainty, pride in their work, frustration with systems, and the occasional “I just don’t have it today” moment. Those feelings show up whether we acknowledge them or not.
FUN organizations choose to notice.
This does not mean turning work into group therapy.
It does not mean oversharing.
And it does not mean fixing emotions.
It means recognizing that emotional awareness belongs at work because people do.
What Happens When Feelings Are Ignored
Unacknowledged feelings tend to resurface as:
- Disengagement
- Short tempers
- Silence in meetings
- Increased mistakes
- “Mysterious” morale issues
When organizations skip past how people are experiencing work, they often end up managing the symptoms instead of the cause.
FUN takes a different approach.
What FUN Looks Like with Feelings
In FUN organizations:
- It is okay to name stress without apologizing
- A tough week can be acknowledged and still move forward
- Appreciation is not reserved for perfect outcomes
- Managers pause long enough to notice tone, energy, and context
None of this slows work down.
It actually helps work move more smoothly.
The FUN Challenge: Feelings
This month, try one small act of emotional awareness.
No fixing.
No follow-up plan.
No “at least…” statements.
Just notice and acknowledge.
Examples:
- “That sounds frustrating.”
- “I can see how much effort went into that.”
- “It looks like this week took a lot out of you.”
Then let the moment be what it is.
That’s it.
Why This Matters
People don’t expect work to be easy.
They do hope it will be human.
When feelings are acknowledged, trust grows. And when trust grows, FUN has room to exist — quietly, naturally, and without pressure.
Coming Up Next in the FUN Series…
Next, we move to U = Understanding — and why assuming positive intent and leading with curiosity can change the entire tone of a workplace conversation.