A positive working environment increases productivity

In many corporate environments, humour is not seen as a necessity for attaining success. However, with anxiety and depression becoming more and more prevalent in today’s society, humour in our everyday and working lives may be the way to increase productivity.

A study that was conducted in 2016 revealed that incorporating humour into the working atmosphere actually promotes optimism and creativity while relieving stress. There have been a number of studies which reiterate these findings – but despite the research and its findings, people still tend to avoid humour while they are at work. A TED Talk delivered in 2014 by Andrew Tavrin – the co-founder of the 8th Floor Improv Comedy Group – addressed this issue.

Tavrin explained that the assumption that the superiors in a business will disapprove of humour leads to a quiet and tense workplace. Due to the hierarchy in business, one of the main ways for humour and fun to flourish in the workplace is for the superiors of the organisation to adopt these values first and convey them to their employees. This way, staff will be more open to expressing themselves with positivity.

The fast-paced and competitive atmosphere in society, especially in the workplace, leaves many employees feeling demotivated and tired. One CEO who has taken on the idea of incorporating fun into his business is Adrian Goslett, the Regional Director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa. Goslett said, “Our network is filled with the most passionate people who have perfected the balance between ‘work hard, play hard’. Life is too short for you to waste 40 hours a week feeling overwhelmed and miserable.”

This outlook towards creating a positive work environment and running a successful business is one that many companies are beginning to embrace. It has been said that people who are happy, fulfilled and passionate about what they do are more likely to deliver the best results. This is why a comfortable and friendly working environment is essential to the quality of work delivered from employees.

A few jokes to help you start the day with a smile:

• Q: Did you hear about the cheese factory that exploded in France?

A: There was nothing left but de Brie.

• Q: Why did the scarecrow win an award?

A: Because he was outstanding in his field.

• A police officer jumps into his squad car and calls the station.

“I have an interesting case here,” he says. “A woman shot her husband for stepping on the floor she just mopped.”

“Have you arrested her?” asks the sergeant.

“No, not yet, the floor’s still wet.”

• I can’t believe I got fired from the calendar factory. All I did was take a day off.

• Nothing ruins a Friday more than finding out that today is only Tuesday.