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What is your policy on Nerf Guns being used at work?

Angela

| 0 Posts

24 Mar, 2016 12:58

If you were asked to consider the use of Nerf Guns at work, what would be your response to this request?

The IT sector and new start-ups are facing this phenomenon.

How would you communicate a well-balanced view of the potential risks to the individual and the business?

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  • Sarah

    | 0 Posts

    24 Mar, 2016 15:56

    In reply to Steve Bridger:

    Good point - but hopefully it's a collection of quirks which make us different.

    We haven't documented the risks anywhere, we're too busy trying to avoid the foam bullets ;-)
  • Angela

    | 0 Posts

    24 Mar, 2016 15:57

    In reply to Sarah:

    Thank you Sarah. Do you think things would change if you recieved a complaint? What steps would you take to give people of different view points a voice and opportunity to find an workable / acceptable solution. How do we encourage workplace diversity when an accepted culture can leave people feeling out of step?'
  • Keith

    | 0 Posts

    24 Mar, 2016 16:05

    In reply to Angela:

    Angela
    Surely though it is up to an employer to try and create a culture that is fitting for their organisation and the type of candidates that they are trying to attract. Otherwise all we end up doing is creating identikit cultures and organisations?

    Is it really a workplace diversity issue or an issue of diverse workspaces?

    Vive le difference!
  • Angela

    | 0 Posts

    24 Mar, 2016 16:08

    In reply to Steven :

    Hi Steven thank you for taking the time to share this I appreciate it.
  • Sarah

    | 0 Posts

    24 Mar, 2016 16:10

    In reply to Angela:

    Hi Angela,

    If we received a complaint we certainly would review and carefully consider it. I think it depends on the environment you work in. For us, we're open and encourage individuals to have a voice and we also encourage people to have fun at work. Not everyone uses the nerf guns - myself included - but it's generally understood if someone doesn't want to get involved then they are not 'targeted'.
  • Angela

    | 0 Posts

    24 Mar, 2016 17:05

    In reply to Sarah:

    How do you avoid being a target in an open plan office, when your desk is amongst those wishing to shoot? Have you set up a designated play zone?
  • Angela

    | 0 Posts

    24 Mar, 2016 17:27

    In reply to Keith:

    I agree we must not forget those we wish to retain and strike a balance. The article that has been shared on this discussion draws a similar conclusion about identikit cultures. When we provide dedicated areas for individuals who pray, smoke and wish to express milk/breastfeed should we provide dedicated areas for those who Nerf? How do we best embrace differences in a safe, positive and nurturing way?
  • Keith

    | 0 Posts

    24 Mar, 2016 21:10

    In reply to Angela:

    I think you are missing the point a little. The organisations who want to create this sort of culture are not trying to do it (I think) in some separate discrete area but as part of their mainstream everyday. Its likely that people who aren't comfortable with that wouldn't be the sort of employees they are looking for. Of course they maybe missing out on some talented people but that's their choice. We embrace difference by accepting that not everyone will be comfortable in every organisation.
  • Angela

    | 0 Posts

    24 Mar, 2016 21:57

    In reply to Keith:

    Hi Keith yes understood but what if you had an organisation that is established and is being asked to adopt start up Nerf Guns? I am looking for a solution that balances needs and where no talent is lost.
  • Lesley

    | 0 Posts

    29 Mar, 2016 16:31

    The company where my partner works has "Nerf Gun Fight Fridays" in their US office where they suddenly break into a team nerf gun fight at 3pm every Friday afternoon - this is a scientific company (not start up though!) and a very male-dominated environment, so it fits their geeky culture, but I am not sure it would work for everyone.

    My partner being very "British" thought the whole thing was ridiculous when he was handed a nerf gun pistol and told to defend himself. He isn't very keen on "enforced fun".
  • Johanna

    | 0 Posts

    CIPD Staff

    29 Mar, 2016 16:42

    In reply to Lesley:

    He wouldn't be a true Brit if he did enjoy enforced fun ;)
  • Steve Bridger

    | 0 Posts

    Community Manager

    29 Mar, 2016 16:46

    In reply to Lesley:

    "enforced fun"

    *exactly* :)

  • Nick Dietz

    | 0 Posts

    30 Mar, 2016 19:16

    My wife and I had great fun a few years ago when we waged war through the house with our children's Nerf Guns once they had gone to bed. Not sure about doing that at work though, depends on the environment....but if the work gets done...

    I took my HR team out kite flying once and they talked about it for a long while afterwards. The impact was intended to be around building good relationships in the team. This worked even though one of them managed to get one of my expensive kites lodged up a tree.

    The only other thing I can add is that pre smoking ban I used to keep a loaded water pistol in my filing cabinet drawer. Smokers used to gather outside my window regularly in dry weather and were often dispersed by water mysteriously dripping off the building.
  • David Perry

    | 0 Posts

    30 Mar, 2016 23:25

    Never heard of them until Steve's helpful picture. Bah humbug. Can I bring my catapult to work? Promise I'll only fire soft round things. Pea shooter anyone? What about the old 'lastic band firing bits of cardboard.

    I wonder how long this fad will last? Perhaps after the 1st latte is spilt over someone's favourite laptop? After someone's hit in the eye, or fires it at the boss or senior manager after an argument? That'll be a good one on the discipline front; "It was fired at me in anger and not in fun", Evidence please.
  • Owen

    | 0 Posts

    31 Mar, 2016 09:47

    In reply to Steve Bridger:

    "You'll have fun whether you like it or not".

    And I couldn't help myself: