Inspiring Workplaces: How to Be a Good Neighbor at Work

Published: Wed, 07/27/16

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Humor at Work ISSUE 639 - July 27, 2016
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      How to Be a Good Neighbor at Work
   
  As you'll notice in the sidebar, I contributed to an article last week on how to deal with awkward issues with colleagues at work. It reminded me of a time a coworker and I drew straws to see who would have to tell another coworker that their body odor was becoming a huge issue on the team. (I recall thinking at the time that it would be more pleasant to have a molar extracted than to have this conversation.)

Dozens of surveys reveal that annoying or even downright uncivil behavior at work is on the rise. From coworkers chewing their food too loudly (that shows up as the #1 complaint on several lists), to loud talkers, to yes, body odor issues, people are venting like never before about what drives them batty at work. So why not be proactive to minimize the chance of ending up in an awkward conversation. Here are a few simple ideas that might help:
  • A bank in New York improved office behaviors through the use of funny "How to Be a Good Neighbor" signs posted around the office.  
  • Take time in a team meeting to talk openly about office etiquette issues - raising it as a general discussion in a meeting raises awareness (which is often all it will take) without singling anyone out.
  • A quick Google search will reveal dozens of top-10 office pet peeve lists; post these lists in your lunchroom or share them with your team to raise awareness in a gentle way.
  • Create a humorous "How to Play Nice in the Sandbox" video starring your own employees. 
If you have a suggestion or your own own annoying coworker habit you'd like to share, please pass it along! 
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    Mike's Fun at Work Tip
 
A meeting exercise/icebreaker designed to help participants get to know each other better: The One Minute Bio. Give every participant exactly one minute to share their entire life story with the group. If you have a large meeting, then break it up into groups of 4-6 and have everyone share their one minute bio with the smaller group.
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    Quote of the Week
 

"Like a welcome summer rain, humor may suddenly cleanse and cool the earth, the air and you." Langston Hughes
 
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    It's a Wacky World
 
August is official Happiness Happens Month and Civility Awareness Month. There's also International Clown Week (1-7), Psychic Week (but you already know when), Elvis Week (8-16), and Hobo Week (10-14). And there's the unusual assortment of offbeat theme days, including:

August 3:   Watermelon Day
August 7:   Particularly Preposterous Packaging Day
August 8:   Sneak Some Zucchini Onto Your Neighbor's Porch Day
August 10: S'mores Day
August 17: I Love My Feet Day
August 20: International Tongue Twisters Day
August 27: Franchise Appreciation Day
August 28: Race Your Mouse Around the Icons Day

For the complete list, mosey on over to August theme days.
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More Reading
Mike is quoted in the Business Insider article: How to Deal With 7 Awkward Confrontations at Work





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