Inspiring Workplaces: Are Silver Linings In Your Playbook?

Published: Wed, 06/17/20

Humor at Work

ISSUE 827 - June 17, 2020


		Are Silver Linings In Your Playbook?

	It's time for a lilac-scented edition of random ideas and musings... If you're starting to dream "in Zoom," maybe it's time to take a break? Try instituting a few Zoom Out Days where you schedule and commit to having a Zoom-free day! The crowdsourcing company InnoCentive celebrates "Truth Tuesdays" every week, where people say whatever is on their mind without fear, which ideally should be a daily occurrence, but they do this to champion the importance of truth-telling. According to the organization American Charities, 82% of employees say they want to volunteer with their peers in corporate-supported events. Open your meetings with a "Silver Linings Moment" where everyone has to share one new silver lining that has come out of the current situation. Park Insurance, based in Burnaby, B.C., has a fabulously inspiring culture that promotes health and wellness. They give employees a 20-minute daily wellness break, where everyone is encouraged to walk or meditate. They also have a daily ritual (started over a year ago and counting) where everyone planks together at 11:00 a.m. (they've recently added a "squats challenge" into the wellness mix).

		Mike's Fun at Work Tip

June 18 is official Recess at Work Day, so why not plan something impromptu to inject a rejuvenating break into your workday? You may not be able to do some of the things you normally would with everyone working together, but there are still plenty of options for "remote recess." You could hold a social coffee break with your team where you ban all work-related conversations, hold a Zoom-ba class (the remote version of Zumba) or do what Park Insurance has done and hold a virtual team trivia contest or virtual bingo game.
		Deep Thought of the Week

“In theory there is no difference between theory and practice. In practice, there is.” Yogi Berra
		It's a Wacky World

Here's another great example of mixing a bit of humor with a serious message. The Juneau International Airport has coyote warning signs that warn people to keep a respectful distance away from coyotes. But in addition to the usual reminders to use common sense, the sign also asks people to call the wildlife authorities if they see dangerous coyote activity such as: Coyote carrying box marked "ACME" Coyote detonating explosives/TNT Coyote in possession of giant magnet Coyote holding sign such as "detour" or "free bird seed" Coyote in possession of a catapult Coyote dropping anvil from hot air balloon

The Launch of "Every Other Wednesdays" We had such a great response to our webinar on May 6, "Why Culture Matters Now More Than Ever" that we've decided to get the band together again for short biweekly discussions on all things culture-related starting this Wednesday, June 17. And naturally, you're invited!

Register Here for Free

This will be fun and informal. Just grab a cup of coffee and drop by "The Culture Club," to get your questions answered and listen in on some inspiring insights, provocative commentary, and the occasional passionate debate, as four workplace experts chat about inspiring workplace cultures, employee engagement, rocking customer service, and the power of humor to drive outrageous results.

We'll meet Every Other Wednesday (hence our catchy name) starting today, June 17, 11:00 am MST/1:00 pm EST for 45 minutes. The sessions will be recorded, and available to all who register. And did I mention that there's no charge for this!

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