This will come as a surprise to many, a new study shows it's possible to have fun at work. Actually, research shows you do a better job at work when you stop to have a little fun.

A University of Florida study suggests you can't underestimate the importance of taking a break to socialize with co-workers or even play a little music at the office.

Not all workplaces offer a lot of flexible personal time during the day, but U of F Management Researcher Erin Fluegge-Woolf says results suggest the smallest diversion from work can improve work productivity and boost creativity.

"One of my findings was that more fun at work also leads to increased engagement. And so work engagement, categorized by vigor, dedication and an absorption in your work. And you might be thinking 'if I'm chatting with my co-worker, how am I more engaged in my work?' I think it focuses or functions as a recovery mechanism."

Researchers surveyed workers and their bosses to assess not just fun at work but the resulting work performance as well. Results show the strongest relationships between having fun on the job and behaviors like organizational pride and loyalty and assisting co-workers.

Fluegge-Woolf says in short, fun helps the team.

"You spend so much time at work during the week, or on the weekends, in the evening, why wouldn't you want to have a little bit of fun at work? And if people really truly are saying this is important, I think this is something managers, supervisors, executives should be aware of. It's something their employees definitely want."