How to have fun in the lab

Indiana Dental Prosthetics, Inc. (IPD) in Indianapolis, IN, knows a thing or two about creating a fun work environment. Co-owned by Bob and Kathy Rusler, the 30-person removable laboratory breaks up the hectic workday with a variety of celebrations and contests. 

“It lightens the atmosphere,” says Kathy, who’s the brains behind a lot of the lab’s activities. And it’s definitely paid off: except for the lab’s newer entry-level positions, everyone else has been there for over 15 years!

Here are six of IPD’s most recent morale boosters: 

Holiday Gifts: For the past two years, Kathy has been channeling her inner Oprah by gifting some of her favorite things. Last December, she filled sleigh baskets with car wash coupons, grocery gift cards, candles, candy, socks, ornaments, cash and gift certificates to a local restaurant. Kathy also gives her employees...