Are you having a laugh!

Hi folks,

‘You don’t have to be mad to work here but it helps!’ Arrrrrrhhhhhhhhh!! do you cringe as much as me whenever you see that poster? Well this week’s blog shows there may be something in a little laughter at work. I know what you’re thinking, we go to work to earn money, not to mess around and have fun. But have you noticed that the people that enjoy their jobs tend to be the ones that are the most social and partake in a little banter? After all, we spend most of our time there so why not lighten the mood eh? Research shows that a little laughter goes a long way.

According to a recent survey, 63% of workers said that job pressures interfere with their personal lives, and that 60% said it affects their physical & emotional well-being. Further research found that good humour is one of the most cost effective ways of reducing such stresses:

• Laughter gives employees an effective way of releasing tensions, which allows them to concentrate on their work more efficiently.

• A good laugh counteracts boredom and reduces personal conflicts.

• Enjoying co-worker interaction reduces the need to get social support from outside the workplace by calling home, bunking off with friends or staying away from work. It seems that being able to laugh on the job does go hand in hand with increased productivity.

I’m not suggesting that you should have fancy dress days or start a comedy club (that would probably cause more stress) but maybe have an embarrassing photo / caption board up with the latest staff doo’s Polaroid’s on, play a harmless trick on a co-worker, or pull a face through the office window once in a while. It seems getting the right balance is the key - be serious about your work and problems but don’t take yourself too seriously. Build this ethos in to your workplace culture and the difference will be surprising!

Have a good weekend,

James