I’ve mentioned before someone I worked with who declared to me that “work must not be fun.” Safe to say Mary Kay would not have appreciated my work experience this morning.

Today was another banner day at Sweetwater, with the Fourth Annual IT Talent Show. Yes, the building is filled with many award-winning, former touring musicians. But this talent show went far beyond an amazing musical performance – which we had, too.

Card tricks, a guy on a unicycle, someone with a trained poodle, and of course some of the most amazing musicians made up this year’s show. And as amazing as the talent is, that isn’t the story for me.

What makes this event so amazing is that it is supported by the company. Yes, Sweetwater has some resources to make the event production shine, from having a stage, sound system, and lights. Just the fact that the time is carved out, a few small gifts are given out, and the company culture embraces such a show tells the employees that they are appreciated. And unlike Mary Kay, the organization tells everyone that work can be fun. And frankly, it should be fun — no matter what type of business you are running.

There is a lesson to be learned by all managers. Employee satisfaction drives top line and bottom line growth for organizations. Fun at work helps to keep engaged employees, fuels passion, and helps recruit top level talent.

This lesson has played out in a variety of businesses I’ve worked at, and observed over the years. In media companies, I’ve witnessed firsthand what can work and doesn’t work when you don’t develop heart as a part of your culture.

I’m not suggesting you have to have a talent competition at your business. But if it works for your employees, then why not? The IT Talent Show I witnessed wasn’t a brainstorm from the C-suite of leaders. Rather, it came from the employees themselves, and was then embraced and adopted by leadership.

What better way to show your employees you care about your culture by adopting their ideas for engagement. I’ve seen it work many times, including here at Sweetwater.