| Inspiring Workplaces |
ISSUE 990 - Sept. 27, 2023 |
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Fives Keys to a Happier Workplace |
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Here are five insights from research into workplace happiness, summarized in the book The Best Place to Work, by Ron Friedman:
1. Frequency of events is more important than size. That's why I'm such a big fan of small rituals and traditions at work. They don't have to be expensive or take a lot of time, but creating daily or weekly fun rituals is an easy way to create a happier workplace atmosphere with a greater payoff than putting all your omelettes into one or two big events.
2. Variety prevents adaptation. If you keep doing the same thing, what once was fun can turn into an expectation. That's one reason the insurance company Admiral Group created an official Ministry of Fun position that rotates to different employees on a monthly basis - they want to ensure a steady stream of new ideas.
3. Unexpected surprises produce bigger payoffs. While there's a lot to be said for creating anticipation, creating a last-minute surprise, such as an impromptu visit from a mime (okay, so maybe think of someone your team would actually get excited about) or a surprise trip to the local ice cream joint pays huge emotional dividends.
4. Experiences are more powerful than "stuff." A whack of research (one whack = a whole bunch) suggests that people who spend money on experiences are happier than people who spend their money on stuff. So, stuff the stuff and focus on experiences such as volunteering at a charity event, group salsa lessons, paper airplane flying contests, or bringing in a chef to teach your team how to make the world's greatest pizza.
5. Grateful minds are happy minds. Whether it's a gratitude board, a gratitude moment during your meetings, or celebrating and recognizing successes and milestones, being intentionally grateful is one of the most powerful ways to boost happiness.
What do you think? Please let me know what you would add to this list!
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Mike's Fun at Work Tip |
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Researchers at the University of Alberta came up with a list of some of the funniest sounding words, including guffaw, puffball, wriggly, and jiggly.
So, a quick meeting icebreaker for you: Have everyone share their favorite funny-sounding word. This always generates laughs!
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Deep Thought of the Week |
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“A committee is a cul-de-sac down which ideas are lured and then quietly strangled.” Source unknown
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Funny Business |
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I f you thought August went by fast, I feel like September just said, "Hold my beer." So yes, the October theme days are up on the website, including:
October 1: International Coffee Day
October 2: Name Your Car Day
October 4: Improve Your Office Day
October 6: World Smile Day
October 9: International Beer & Pizza Day
October 11: Bring Your Teddy Bear to Work Day
October 12: International Moment of Frustration Scream Day
October 13: Silly Sayings Day
October 15: Grouch Day
October 16: Boss's Day
October 17: Wear Something Gaudy Day
October 19: Get To Know Your Customers Day
October 22: INTERNATIONAL CAP LOCKS DAY
October 24: Accountants Day
October 26: Howl at the Moon Night
October 27: Cranky Coworkers Day
October 31: Knock Knock Joke Day |
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Creating Culture Champions
Find out how The Culture Leadership Academy can help you achieve outrageous results in your workplace! 12 video-based modules, 4 eBooks, and host of other resources to help you ramp up your culture to drive outrageous results. One year access with huge savings for multiple sign-ups!
WANTED: Audiences in Need of Inspiration! Respond to this email to find out how Michael can help you re-energize your workplace culture!
“Michael’s presentation to our organization was top notch. He had everyone laughing non-stop! His message was serious, yet funny, and fully engaging. We all came away inspired, rejuvenated, and in better spirits than I ever could have imagined!"
Catherine Lamy, Cumberland College
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Copyright © 2023 Michael Kerr. All Rights Reserved.
mike@mikekerr.com
Suite #644, 104-743 Railway Avenue, Canmore, AB, T1W 1P2 |
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