Humor at Work: Who's Directing the Humor in Your Workplace?

Published: Wed, 11/27/13

Inspiring Workplaces

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Humor at Work

ISSUE 516 - Nov. 27, 2013


			Who's Directing the Humor in Your Workplace?

	Alberta-based Rogers Insurance has an official "Director of Humor" to help ensure "there is a regular dose of humor in the office." Employees must apply for the four month term position by submitting a humor plan of attack (as opposed to a humorous plan of attack, which brings to mind a Monty Pythonesque skit involving warriors in clown shoes invading Luxembourg with loaded cream pies). The humor duties are carried out on top of the person's regular work. The position comes with a small budget to help implement ideas and a financial bonus for the employee at the end of their term. The Director of Humor is expected to hold a minimum number of events and intranet contests and they must submit a report of everything they accomplished in their term. A Director of Humor is just one of the many reasons Rogers Insurance continues to receive accolades for its workplace culture. If, for whatever reason, you can't create a Director of Humor in your workplace (and for the life of me I can't think of a single valid reason), keep in mind that you are your very own director of humor with the power to direct all the voices in your head (I have about nine) to find the funny on the set of your life day in and day out. (Okay, so it's a bit corny, but hey, it's true!)

		Mike's Fun at Work Tip

Ask many people what a scientist looks like and more often than not an image of Albert Einstein or perhaps "Doc" from Back to the Future will pop into their heads. There's a very cool Tumblr site that helps shatter these stereotypes: This is What a Scientist Looks Like. Scientists from around the globe submit photos of themselves with a bit of a fun bio about what they do and who they are. The photos and write ups often reveal a very healthy sense of humor. So why not steal this idea for your profession? You can do something similar on a wall at work or go the virtual online route. You can do it just for your own organization or include everyone on the planet as a fun way to connect with people, debunk stereotypes and celebrate diversity.
		Quote of the Week

"There is a foolish corner in the brain of the wisest man." Aristotle
		It's a Wacky World

"STELLA!" Marlon Brando, in his role as Stanley in a Streetcar Named Desire, made yelling out the name "Stella" a popular pastime for many people around the world. And by many people, I mean me. And by around the world, I mean my house. But now, I no longer feel alone. The New Orleans Literary Festival ends their annual event with a contest wherein men line up below a balcony and belt out their best "STELLA!" Women get in on the fun when they reverse the roles and yell out a hearty "STANLEY!" from below the balcony. (Proof once again, that anything can be turned into a fun contest.)

Cost Savings to Book Mike

Vancouver, Dec.5-12;

Montreal: On-going;

London, England: Second week of February, 2014;

Toronto: February 27, 28

Inspiring Reading

A guest blog on the old Humor at Work site by Kelly Batke of Jostle: How to Write so Employees Give a $%#&!

Inspiring Viewing

Check out the 2013 winners of "Dance Your PhD" (I wrote about this idea two years ago, and I still think it's just so awesomely goofy.)

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