Fun & work= increased productivity
EMPLOYERS who provide a desirable and conducive working environment attract the best people to their organisation.
These emplaAoyers are able to make the work environment very rewarding, taking advantage of the growing diversity of the working population.
Organisations that fail to create a pleasant work environment will neither attract the right employee nor be able to retain those they have.
Creating an atmosphere of fun is one way to improve the work environment. Studies have proved that people who are cheerful and fun loving are more successful than the others.
They are those who can think more clearly and creatively, who are more relaxed and spontaneous are likely to be more tolerant. Their sense of humour is their defence.
Want to have fun with work? Here's how:
Laughter is the shortest distance between two people
Provide a medium for everyone to collect and share their favourite cartoons, jokes, or anecdotes. People connect through shared laughter aided by humour, wit and an appreciation for irony.
Encourage everyone to contribute and provide a public area for these things to be posted.
As and when time permits people can assemble and share a lighter moment or two. In the process, they'll get to know one another better and develop a shared sense of belonging.
However, in sensitive societies, ensure that the jokes and stories are without racial, sexual, or ethnic slant.
Do remember though, that excessive `political correctness' has infused modern society with a feeling of guilt that is both unwarranted and unnecessary.
Give/take occasional breaks from work
Taking small occasional breaks (not exceeding 5 minutes) and encouraging others to do so is one way to ease the building tension at your workplace.
Utilise these "stolen" minutes to do a crossword puzzle, listening to your favourite music, or even take a stroll down the corridor. Anything to help you de-stress.
It might be more enjoyable if a couple of people take the `tension-break' together.
Try to find humour in negative situations
When people can make fun of their shortcomings or mistakes and share some funny experiences with a difficult customer, they would be providing others with some creative solutions for difficult situations.
These experiences will help others too, to face similar situations with equanimity. Moreover, it will also help the other employees to look out for humour in negative situations.
Letting employees use their creativity to raise a few laughs to ease a tense situation will automatically ensure that the feel good emotion carries over to their work too.
TINA MARIAM JACOB
tina.mas@cnkonline.com
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Opportunities
