Inspiring Workplaces: Happiness, Humor and Success

Published: Wed, 05/25/16

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Humor at Work ISSUE 632 - May 25, 2016
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      Happiness, Humor and Success 
   
  Another edition of random facts, ideas and musings...
  • One more reason to laugh: A University of Maryland study found that when people watched a stressful film blood flow is reduced by 35% (not a good thing); after watching humorous films blood flow in the study participants increased by an average of 22%. 
  • According to a new survey by Fidelity Investments, millennial workers would take an average pay cut of $7,600 (US) in exchange for a better quality of work life. 58% said they'd choose quality of life vs. more money. What value do you put on the quality of your work life and what is your team doing to focus on the quality of everyone's work experience? 
  • More reasons to laugh: Research at California State University Long Beach found that people who have more fun at work are more creative, more productive, less tense, get along better with colleagues, and call in sick less often.
  • Is your company giving employees what they truly want or what they think employees want? Often companies will set up programs and create initiatives that they think employees want, but then  surveys reveal totally different needs and wants from the employees! So ask them already!
  • A study by the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia found that there is a rise in bankruptcies among the closest neighbors of lottery winners as people literally try to "keep up with the Jones's."
  • Shawn Achor, author of The Happiness Advantage, suggests that we need to rewire our brains and look at success in a different way. Most people think happiness happens as a result of success, but Achor argues that our brains work in the opposite direction: The happier and more optimistic you are, the more successful you'll be.  
  • More reasons to laugh: Numerous studies demonstrate that the health benefits and social benefits (such as people liking us nor trusting us more) of having a sense of humor aren't only associated with creating humor; appreciating humor can be equally as important.
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    Mike's Fun at Work Tip
 
A simple but effective meeting icebreaker to get to know each other a little better: Go around the room and have everyone answer the following question, "One thing you'd probably be surprised to learn about me is ________________________________________."
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    Quote of the Week
 

"Laughter and play are an entrée into being more human...the only way to keep a sense of fun and play in your work is to make it a priority." Matt Weinstein
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    It's a Wacky World
 
As I write about in The Humor Advantage, one way for a business to stand out from the herd to be heard is with a funny business name. Here are a few rather offbeat, clever food truck names:
  • Grillenium Falcon (for the Star Wars' fans craving a grilled cheese)
  • Burger, She Wrote (featuring a photo of Angela Landsbury)
  • Dogzilla - "Not Your Typical Wiener"
  • What the Fork?
  • Lard Have Mercy!
  • On Tapa The World
  • Planet of the Crepes
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More Reading
Mike is quoted in the Business Insider article 30 Things The Best Bosses Always Say



The Humor Advantage in the News The Calgary Herald newspaper recently featured an article about Michael's latest book: Canmore author and humor expert Michael Kerr says businesses should be laughing all the way to the bank



Cost-Savings to Bring Mike in to Speak
Okanagan: "I Need to see Mom" special rate
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Jun 22, Oct. 14-7
Ottawa, Nov. 7
Vancouver: Dec.1-2
 
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mike@mikekerr.com