Inspiring Workplaces: Does Your Workplace Need a VP of Fun?

Published: Wed, 04/27/16

Humor at Work

ISSUE 628 - Apr. 27, 2016


			Does Your Workplace Need a VP of Fun?

	Another round of random musings and ideas... According to a study by the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, both under-sleepers and over-sleepers are more likely to use extra sick days. The sweet spot, according to their research, is about 7.5 hours of sleep a night. A study by the California Energy Commission found that workers who sit near a window perform 10-25% better on memory recall and mental function tests. In a Stanford University study, walkers (whether on a treadmill or walking through the woods) experience a huge creative boost over sitters. Research reported by Shawn Achor, author of The Happiness Advantage, suggests 25% of workplace success is predicted by a person's intelligence; 75% of their success is due to their level of optimism, social support, and their ability to see stress as a challenge rather than a threat. If you are already feeling overloaded at work then get into this habit: every time you say "yes" to something, ask yourself what you'll now need to say "no" to. A survey by PayScale of 71,000 U.S. employees found that underpaid employees (according to the going market rate) were far more satisfied with their work when the company was transparent about their compensation - even just having a manager discuss compensation openly made a big difference. Brett Wilson, who Canadians will recognize as a former "Dragon" on the hit show The Dragon's Den, says that every person in his company has the word fun in their job title, such as "Manager of Office Operations and Fun" and "VP of Technology, Magic and Fun."

		Mike's Fun at Work Tip

A U.S. company occasionally holds a "Each One Teaches One Day" where employees pair up and each person teaches the other person something new - it's a great way to facilitate new connections at work while encouraging people to share their wisdom and learn new skills.
		Quote of the Week

"Words won't kill you unless they are 'Ready, aim, fire'. Elayne Boosler
		It's a Wacky World

May is official International Business Image Improvement Month and International Civility Awareness Month, so remember to play nice! And there's the regular assortment of theme days, including: May 1: World Laughter Day May 3: Two Different-Colored Shoes Day May 4: Star Wars (May the Fourth Be With You) Day May 12: Limerick Day May 13: Blame Someone Else Day May 14: Dance Like a Chicken Day May 18: International Museum Day May 20: Pun Off Day May 21: Wait Staff Day May 25: Geek/Nerd Pride Day May 29: Put a Pillow on Your Fridge Day For the whole list cruise over to May theme days.

More Reading
After a not-so-great experience with an airline, Mike shares some thoughts on: Customer Service: Would You Like a Side of Empathy With That?

Cost Savings to Bring Mike in to Speak
Okanagan Valley: "I need to see Mom" special rate on-going. GREAT deals for May or June!
Toronto: June 22
Norway: July 4-11

Mike is speaking at the 1st annual Winnipeg Leadership Symposium this Friday, April 29. For tickets go HERE!

Mike's YouTube Channel Does your workplace need a Director of First Impressions?

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