Inspiring Workplaces: Meeting Mirth

Published: Wed, 05/15/19

Humor at Work

ISSUE 773 - May 15, 2019


			Meeting Mirth

	As a recovering government manager, I can recall far too many soul-sucking meetings devoid of any humanity or fun. So, I was pleased to see that a study in the International Journal of Humor Research titled Meeting Mirth highlighted the importance of humor in meetings to make them less soul-sucking and more effective. The study reported how the average person spends 6 or more hours per week in meetings and meetings that are poorly conducted and ineffective are a major source of stress and job dissatisfaction. Fortunately, the study suggests humor can help - a lot. When "affiliative humor" was practiced in meetings (positive humor that relieves tension and supports positive working relationships) teams bonded more effectively, boring meetings were brought to life and meeting participants reported being more satisfied with the meetings. A 2015 Scientific America study likewise found that the secret sauce for effective meetings was...wait for it...FUN! Meetings with more humor led to more positive comments and praise, encouraged more creative thinking and fostered better conversations. So, what's preventing your meetings from being more fun? For a few ideas on where and how to add more fun to your meetings pop over to We've GOT to Start Meeting Like This!

		Mike's Fun at Work Tip

I saw a sandwich board sign for a pizza shop offering a free slice of pizza to anyone named Wanda or Graham. Why not try a similar idea at your business, for either your customers or employees - totally random surprises/prizes based on random factors: names, eye colors, zodiac signs, dog's names, ability to wiggle one's ears, etc.
		Quote of the Week

"When you go to work in the morning you shouldn't have to leave your values behind." Ben of Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream
		It's a Wacky World

I stumbled upon a website that tracks weird job titles and learned some critically important things, such as the use of the word "ninja" in job titles increased by 90% in 2018, while job titles containing "wizard" dropped by 17%! Shocking I say! And yes, they've even tracked weird job titles by different states. It may not come as a big shocker that California is the #1 state for offbeat job titles.

Cost-Savings to Bring Mike in to Energize Your Workplace!

Calgary: Savings on dates in May and June!
Toronto: May 24
Edmonton: May 30 or 31
Toronto: June 10-12
Halifax: June 25-27
Denver: July 26-31
Montreal: August 17, 21
Toronto: Sept. 10, 11
Montreal: November 19
Ottawa: November 20
Toronto: December 12

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