Your amuse system lightens the workload

Laughter creates a bond that brings others together, because people enjoy working with other employees who are having fun.

by Karen Lee — 

According to Jody Urquhart, an expert in the field of humor and health, fun is productive. Imagine a work world where people love their work environment, and they are calm, stress-free and happy all day long.

People who are in good spirits are more likely to be productive. Their mental attitude produces increased oxygen, endorphins and blood flow to the brain, which enables them to think more clearly and creatively. They are more relaxed, more accepting of others and more likely to share their sense of humor.

Laughter creates a bond that brings others together, because people enjoy working with other employees who are having fun. Creativity, intuition and flexibility are key to the successful operation of organizations today. In stimulating environments, employees enjoy their time at work and they will also excel at their jobs. Additionally, attracting customers is easier in an environment of hospitality. A fun workplace is not only more productive, but it attracts people and profits.

Look around you and notice your H.Q. (humor quotient). Are your coworkers laughing and smiling? Do you see humorous cartoons and props stashed strategically? When was the last time everyone took a break for a kazoo parade or held a jokefest in the break room? Are humor treasuries close at hand?

Here are some quick tips to add more humor to your work life:

• For those times when you have trouble finding a reason to laugh, prepare an “Office Mirth Aid Kit,” which is first aid for your funny bone. Stock it with giggle gadgets, items such as squeezable relaxers, comedy videos, joy bubbles, cartoon books, a red clown nose, a kazoo, oversize glasses, etc.
• Have a contest for the most creative excuse for being late.
• Encourage negative coworkers, when caught being pessimistic, to put money in a jar that funds a positive party for everyone.
• If you have a difficult boss or coworker, take the sting out of being with them by imagining them with the head of a Disney character — now they’re Goofy.
• Keep a bulletin board in the break room with cartoons, a humorous sick leave policy, quotes, memos, posters and more.

Karen Lee is the co-founder of New World Business Institute, Inc., and is the comedy CEO, chief entertainment officer who speaks on the topic of, “How to Build Up Your Amuse System.” 

Reprinted from AzNetNews, Volume 25, Number 5, October/November 2006.