Inspiring Workplaces: Thankful Habits

Published: Wed, 09/27/17

Humor at Work

ISSUE 697 - Sept. 27, 2017


			Thankful Habits

	We know that when we thank other people it makes us feel better - possibly even altering our body chemistry. We also know that teams and organizations that excel at building a culture of appreciation have higher engagement rates with happier employees - the key of course is to make sure we're all remembering to thank one another consistently! Here are six ideas that may help: I met a CEO who started each day with five coins in his left pocket. Each time he thanked an employee for a specific, genuine reason, he shifted a coin to his right pocket with his goal set at ending each day with all five coins in his right pocket. Schedule it. An admin executive told me she scheduled in five minutes at the start of every day to write one hand-written thank-you note to someone. Add a "shout out" component to every meeting agenda or team huddle. Take 10 minutes every Friday afternoon to share thanks as a team. An employee at a manufacturing plant told me he made it a goal to personally thank two "unsung heroes" - someone under the radar who rarely got recognized - each week. One manager told me how she left messages of thanks on employees' voicemail messages during their off hours or days off so they would start their day with a message of appreciation.

		Mike's Fun at Work Tip

A super quick, super silly meeting icebreaker that helps everyone to slow down, focus, and relax: Have meeting participants stand and introduce themselves saying their name backwards - this always generates a laugh or two. And for the "advanced class" you can always have everyone use the reverse names for the entire meeting!
		Quote of the Week

“The truth goes down easier when a joke is attached to it.” Louie Anderson
		It's a Wacky World

October? How did that happen? October is official Bat Appreciation Month, Country Music Month, Employee Wellness Month, International Strategic Planning Month, Learn to Bowl Month, Poppin' Popcorn Month, Positive Attitude Month and Squirrel Appreciation Month! And some October theme days of note include (the entire list is here): October 3: Techies Day October 4: Improve Your Office Day October 6: World Smile Day October 9: International Beer & Pizza Day October 11: Bring Your Teddy Bear to Work Day October 12: International Moment of Frustration Scream Day October 14: Be Bald and Free Day October 16: Boss's Day October 17: Wear Something Gaudy Day October 18: Support Your Local Chamber of Commerce Day October 19: Get to Know Your Customers Day October 22: CAPS LOCKS DAY October 26: Howl at the Moon Night October 27: Cranky Coworkers Day October 30: Haunted Refrigerator Night October 31: Knock Knock Jokes Day

Congratulations to Us!
We're thrilled to announce that Humor at Work has been recognized as one of the top-75 workplace blogs in the world, coming in at the 35th mark! And part of the thanks has to go to you, our faithful readers! So thanks!

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Speaking Up at Work
What Stops Employees From Speaking Up and What Helps Employees Speak Up?

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