Inspiring Workplaces: Waking Up to Laughter

Published: Wed, 09/28/16

Humor at Work

ISSUE 648 - Sept 28, 2016


			Waking Up to Laughter

	Another round of random ideas and musings... Good news for you non-coffee drinkers our there: A study found that laughing heartily shortly after you've woken up can produce similar effects to drinking a cup of coffee! According to the book Forever Recognize Others' Greatness, 89% of employees prefer verbal thank yous, 84% like private words of praise, and 82% appreciate written thank you cards. Do you know how your employees and colleagues prefer to be recognized? The company Kickstarter hosts a series of workshops throughout the year where any employee can lead a workshop on a subject they have expertise in. Topics have included sushi-making and linocut printmaking. A study by the Hay Group found that managers in the highest performing workplaces spend 30% of their time coaching and developing team members. As a way to encourage a sense of ownership in their company, all employees who work for the software design company Nerdery (and don't you just love that name?) have the job title "Co-President" from day one on the job. The software consulting company Daxki created a "favorites wall" with photos of employees holding up some of their favorite books, movie posters or team jerseys. Never discount the power of a little silliness to break the tension in your workplace. One of my clients holds impromptu one minute dance parties when things feel too stressful in the office.

		Mike's Fun at Work Tip

Another fun alter ego name generator to try out for your next meeting or Friday (why is Friday always the de facto "fun day"?): The color of your underwear plus the last thing you ate equals your alter ego superhero name for the day or meeting...and of course writing them down on ``Hello My Name Is..." labels makes it that much more fun. (My name as I write this would be The Purple Chicken!)
		Quote of the Week

"Ideas are like pizza dough, made to be tossed around." Anna Quindlen
		It's a Wacky World

October is official Bat Appreciation Month, Country Music Month, Eat Better, Eat Together Month, Learn to Bowl Month, Walk to School Month, Squirrel Appreciation Month, Workplace Politics Awareness Month and Pizza Month! And I've posted the usual assortment of wacky theme days and observances on the website, including: October 1: International Music Day October 4: Improve Your Office Day October 7: World Smile Day October 12: Bring Your Teddy Bear to Work Day October 13: Silly Sayings Day October 14: Be Bald and Free Day October 15: Grouch Day October 17: Boss's Day October 20: Get to Know Your Customers Day October 25: World Pasta Day October 26: Howl at the Moon Night October 27: Cranky Co-Workers Day October 30: Haunted Refrigerator Night October 31: Knock Knock Joke Day

The Humor Advantage "Two-For One Surprise Someone With a Gift" Super Special! Purchase one copy of The Humor Advantage and we will send a free copy at no extra charge to whoever you wish - anywhere in the world. Just let us know who you want us to mail the copy to and what you want signed in the book and we'll send them a gift copy from you on us! Maybe it's for your boss (Boss's Day is October 17)? A special client? A long lost relative? Or anyone in need of some workplace inspiration?

Cost-Savings to Bring Mike in to Speak
Okanagan: "I need to see Mom" special rate on-going!
Ontario: Oct.17,19, 21
Ottawa: Nov. 7
Vancouver: Dec.1-5
Edmonton: Dec. 5-7
Winnipeg: March 16

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