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by Ann Fry
I'm clearly here to talk about HUMOR IN THE WORKPLACE and why we need it, must have it, will shrivel and die if we don't. And, I'm here to make the "case" that Humor/Fun in the Workplace is absolutely, uncontrovertibly necessary for all workplaces that truly want to succeed… because, afterall…. LAUGHING MATTERS!!!
What it's really all about is … creating an environment that is "safe" and fulfilling for people to work in. It's about creating the culture that invites honesty, loyalty, integrity, comfort, satisfaction and fosters "happiness" at work. When a company creates this kind of culture, their retention rate rises dramatically!
Here's what you'll see:
All the employees contribute to the productivity of the company
Everyone will be loyal, because they know they are a valued and cherished part of the team
People will be more creative and show more motivation
Employees will look forward to rising each morning, facing the day with enthusiasm and pitching in wholeheartedly.
Employees will be "happy", which translates to happy customers.
Now, perhaps you have never quite thought of happiness as a desired characteristic for your employees; but if I told you that happy employees are more productive employees, would that be of interest to you? And, if I told you that a FUN and playful work environment boosts loyalty and performance, would that peak your interest even more? The obvious answer… "Yes, I'd love to know more about that!"
There is an underlying assumption that humor, laughter or a playful attitude on the job will be viewed negatively in most corporations. When you talk to employees (both management and non-management) in private about this, they almost always say that they have to be careful about letting their sense of humor show on the job. Both employees and management fear that people will feel they're being unprofessional, and that they're incompetent, not taking their job seriously, etc. And, often, management makes the assumption that being playful or having fun means less productivity.
I strongly disagree, especially about the productivity point. Consider the following:
If you take a break and have some lighthearted conversation or listen to or read something funny, do you think you'll come back more or less refreshed? The obvious answer is MORE. And, if you're more refreshed, do you think you'll be more or less productive? The answer again is MORE…. More productive!
Lighthearted meetings, terrific break rooms, celebrations, awards, contests. These are just a few of the areas that are ripe for fun activities. Start by establishing a "fun committee" and then let 'em rip! I promise… the pay off will be much greater than you imagined and watch your productivity soar. And, most important ,,, listen for the laughter in the hallways. It'll be a happy place and people will be beating the doors down to work there!
Ann Fry is the President and Dean of Fun at Humor University, a virtual university committed to "flowing the lid" off productivity and producing "breakthrough results" in workplaces. Ann's book: Laughing Matters: Understanding the Value of Humor in the Workplace is available at www.humoru.com You can contact Ann at ann@humoru.com or in the U.S. at 512-342-1077.
