Given their reputation for offering a range of work perks, including free meals, fitness classes and flexible working arrangements, it’s little surprise that a career at Canva is coveted by many. However, for those who haven’t quite been successful in gaining access to CEO Melanie Perkins‘s inner sanctum, here Head of People Experience at Canva, Charlotte Anderson – who has practically perfected the craft of ensuring employees come to the office – shares her top tips to help you have fun at work!
1. Be intentional with your time
Time is precious, and how you spend it shapes your happiness. Instead of letting your workday get hijacked by distractions, be intentional about where your energy goes. Set clear boundaries between work and personal life, and carve out space for the things that truly recharge you.
Charlotte’s tip? If you don’t know what energises you, start by cutting out what doesn’t. For her, deleting social media was a game-changer – it freed her from unnecessary distractions and let her focus on what truly mattered. So, whether it’s a morning yoga session, a lunch break away from your desk, or blocking time for a passion project, commit to activities that bring you joy.
2. Build meaningful connections
Workplace friendships make a world of difference when it comes to job satisfaction. Feeling a sense of belonging at work boosts engagement, motivation, and overall happiness.
One way to cultivate this? Join a workplace club, sports team, or interest group. At Canva, employees bond over everything from yoga and chess to ice cream appreciation (yes, really). But even if your office isn’t brimming with collectives, small steps – like organising a virtual coffee chat with a colleague or checking in with a teammate – can foster a stronger sense of community.
3. Try something new
Nothing fuels career growth quite like stepping outside your comfort zone. Taking on a new challenge, whether it’s volunteering for a stretch project, public speaking, or upskilling in a new area, keeps things exciting and rewarding.
Yes, it can be nerve-wracking. But as Charlotte points out, these moments often become career-defining milestones. So go ahead – pitch that bold idea, take that leadership course, or ask to shadow someone in a different department. You never know where it might lead!
4. Prioritise your wellbeing
Burnout is real. But, the key to avoiding it is to make self-care a non-negotiable part of your routine. Whether it’s morning journaling, meditation, or a quick midday stretch, creating rituals that centre your physical and mental wellbeing will help you show up as your best self at work.
Charlotte, a former yoga teacher, swears by daily movement – be it a workout, a walk, or a few deep stretches. Find what works for you and make it a habit. After all, when you feel good, you do good work.
5. Finally, don’t forget to have fun!
At the end of the day, work shouldn’t feel like a never-ending to-do list. Injecting fun into your routine can make all the difference. Share a funny meme with your team, add a theme to a meeting, or simply step outside for some sunshine during lunch. Laughter and lighthearted moments boost creativity, productivity, and overall morale.
Charlotte’s philosophy for 2025 is to romance the everyday. Whether it’s wearing your favourite outfit to work, stepping away from your desk for a proper lunch, or finding small ways to make your space feel inspiring, embracing the little joys can transform your work experience.
So next time you feel on the verge of a ‘rage quit’ moment, take a step back, refocus, and inject a little Canva-style creativity into your workday. Who knows? You might just find yourself falling in love with work all over again.
