"Are we having fun yet?" "Should we have fun?" "Can we have fun?" "Things are too serious now for us to have fun." "If I'm having fun, how do I get ahead?" And thus it continues - lamentations about having fun and enjoyment at work. Funny, we never ask if it's permissible to be gloomy at work. We just allow that to happen and rarely do anything about it!
It has long been surmised that a work environment that is positive and creative experiences fewer worker injuries. With a positive environment likely comes a positive employee and within that positive employee is the ability to find enjoyment and humor. We all know the company "sour puss" and the effect he or she has on the organization. It seems that negativity is often more prevalent and easier to embrace! Once this happens, it becomes a difficult task to overcome. The "positive person" is often skeptically viewed and, if too ebullient, is considered "strange" or "kooky" or "out of touch" or "hasn't been here long enough." Yet when often asked about what could be improved in the workplace to make it "more fun", people readily lament about their bosses. Well, how many of you are bosses, supervisors, superiors or managers?
While empirical data can be gathered on satisfaction, quality management, benefits and working conditions, to name a few, measuring the "levity factor" can be difficult. How can it be determined that employees are satisfied with their workplace? Indirectly, productivity can be a predictor. In a study of 341 workers, Dr. David J. Abramis, a Professor of Management and Human Resources at California State University in Long Beach, found that those who have the most fun in their work are likely to be more motivated, more creative, less anxious and depressed and better able to meet job demands. In addition, they are also less likely to be absent or late to work.1
Humor by Looking Around is a great way to assess workplace satisfaction. Walk around your facility - look at people working. Listen to conversations to determine the nature and tone of the topic. Is the conversation lively? Is it personal? Is it derogatory about another employee? Is management a source of irritation? Do employees turn away when you approach? Is laughter heard in multiple locations? These can be valid components in measuring satisfaction.
As previously mentioned, bosses seem to withstand the worst of negative comments. Perhaps some are deserved while most are likely perceptual. "I mean, after all, he's the boss - so we're supposed to hate him!" Well, supervisors, superiors, leaders and followers there is hope. You need to enroll in the Frequent Laugher SMILES Program. You may complete the application online, over the phone, or with direct, intimate conversation with yourself while standing at the bathroom mirror. The SMILEs Program, Safety Managers Instilling Laughter and Enjoyment, is flexible and racking up smiles is rather easy.
