Workplace laughterLighten up! Add some fun and laughter in the workplace and you will lower workplace stress. Statistics show that more people have migraine headaches on Sunday night, and that the number of heart attacks and heart attack-like symptoms are very high early Monday mornings. What does this indicate? It would appear that people dread going to work on Mondays, however, there are other reasons as well. Stress in the workplace has dramatically increased. Stressed and overworked management staff lack the time to positively acknowledge and encourage employees. Disrespect and rudeness are major employee attitude problems. People feel ignored by their employers. A workplace attitude survey done by Harris Interactive showed that workplace stress is way up. 63% of respondents said that job pressures interfere with their family or personal life. 60% said that the job is negatively affecting their physical and emotional well-being. 52% said that people in the workplace need help in managing anger and stress. 55% said that the company they work for offers no training on how to manage anger or stress. 35% said that their co-workers are harder to get along with due to stress. Work should be fun! Because, let's face it, unless you win a huge lottery, you will be spending a long time in the workforce. In a recent survey by Industrial Work and Training group, conducted with managers from a variety of organizations.The respondents reported that when there is fun in the workplace:
Ways to bring 'fun' into your workplace Dress for fun Have occasional 'dress-up' - 'dress-down' days, such as funniest hats, T-shirts, ties, scarfs etc. Create a 'fun' decor Introduce 'fun' into your work space and break room, such as toys, stickers, pictures, posters, etc. Shop for 'fun' items Look for 'fun' items in the kids section of department stores, special toy stores, novelty shops. Any items that can introduce some fun to your meetings, staff interaction events, or just to make people smile. Create a 'fun' library Set up a section of joke books, cartoon books and any other fun material. Have staff get to know each other have regular functions where staff get to know each other - not just in work roles. When you know a person better, there are more opportunities for humor in your interaction with that person. Have 'fun' contests There are a lot of non-threatening 'fun' contests that can build rapport, camaraderie and team spirit, such as 'best joke of the month', 'guess who the persons in the baby pictures are,' etc. Have 'fun' awards Such as 'foot in the mouth' incident of the month, or 'blooper of the month' awards, etc. How to keep the 'wackiness' alive in the workplace Smile at people - they'll wonder what you've been up to. Every time someone asks you for something - ask them to sign a waiver. Page yourself over the intercom and don't disguise your voice. Every time someone asks you to do something - ask if they want fries with that. Hi-lite your shoes with bright marking pens - tell people you haven't lost your shoes since you started doing this. Agree to organize the company Christmas party - Hold it at McDonald's Playland and charge everyone $ 50 dollars. Send e-mail to everyone you deal with in the company and tell them what you're doing. For example: If anyone needs me, I'll be in the washroom. Place a mark on your body using a bright hi-liter color - tell everyone that's where you had it up to today. Take this quiz and find out how much fun your organization is to work for
Up to 5 'No' answers - your workplace needs a 'fun' tune-up! There are many good books on the market on the success of using humor and laughter in the workplace. Southwest Airlines comes readily to mind, however there are many other success stories. You can find them at Amazon.com by clicking on the banner below |
