Inspiring Workplaces: So Many Reasons to Smile

Published: Wed, 09/30/20

Humor at Work

ISSUE 842- Sept. 30, 2020


		So Many Reasons to Smile

	October 2nd is World Smile Day, something the world could definitely use more of right about now! So, on that note, here are some fabulous reasons to smile: One of my clients holds a contest every year where everyone keeps track of how many smiles they can generate from their colleagues in the course of one week, apparently leading to lots of goofy faces and impromptu dance moves. With so many customer service employees wearing masks, it's even more important to smile with your eyes, or what's known as a Duchenne smile. It's named for the French anatomist who discovered that genuine smiles which can't be faked involve the involuntary contraction of muscles that cause the eyes to wrinkle. It's also called 'smizing' - "smiling with the eyes." Smiling activates the release of neuropeptides which fight off stress. Just 30 seconds of smiling can do wonders to calm your nerves, and research has shown smiling produces more pleasure in your brain than chocolate! Smiling activates mirror neurons in other people's brains which automatically stimulates a positive, happy response in their brain. A study found that when people are forced to smile by holding a pencil between their upper lip and nose, thus forcing a smile, they find cartoons funnier. So, smiling may actually help loosen up your funny bone. An article in the Bulletin of the Psychonomic Society, found that servers who offer their customers big smiles received a whopping 140% higher tips. A study cited in Psychology Today found that smiling makes you look thinner, younger, more attractive, approachable, competent, likable, and courteous!

		Mike's Fun at Work Tip

Carrying on with the smiling theme, here's a great gift item for your teammates to help them smile during these challenging times: A Smile-on-a-Stick. You can purchase them in bulk and they come in a variety of skin tones and themes. They're a simple and silly way to add some fun to your virtual meetings. You can use them to vote with, show your appreciation or encouragement for an idea, or just to add a little random levity. And since Cranky Co-worker Day is also coming up in October, you can even purchase a Grump-on-a-Stick!
		Quote of the Week

"Smiles change the world. Smiles are the key to customer retention." Tom Peters
		It's a Wacky World

Not to alarm you or anything, but tomorrow is October! I know, right? As always, the October theme days are up on the site, including: October 1: International Coffee Day October 2: World Smile Day October 4: Improve Your Office Day October 7: Random Acts of Poetry Day October 9: International Beer & Pizza Night October 12: International Moment of Frustration Scream Day October 13: Silly Sayings Day October 14: Bring Your Teddy Bear to Work Day October 16: Boss's Day October 17: Wear Something Gaudy Day October 21: Thank Your Cleaner Day October 22: Smart is Cool 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

If You Are Serious About Creating a Service-first, Fun, Inspiring Culture... then you need the Culture Leadership Online Academy. The early bird discount is still on and there are big savings for groups. If you're not sure this is right for you and your team, let's schedule a time to talk: mike@mikekerr.com

Schedule a Free Strategy Call With Michael If you are a manager with a burning culture challenge or question, I'm offering a free 30-minute strategy call. Drop me a note at mike@mikekerr.com to schedule a call!

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