Did you know that April 1^st through 7^th is National Laugh at Work week?

I remember being told years ago, “It’s not supposed to be fun, that’s why they call it work!” I didn’t believe it then and I don’t believe it now!

Sure work is about business. It’s about getting stuff done, providing a product or service and making a profit. That doesn’t mean it can’t be enjoyable.

There’s a difference between something that makes you laugh and something that allows you to laugh. Work should be a place that laughter naturally bubbles up from time to time. Here’s why:

1. Laughter naturally happens when people are relaxed, happy and feel appreciated so if it isn’t happening at your workplace there’s a problem. I think of laughter as the yellow canary of business. Like the canary passing out in the coal mines warned the miners that the air wasn’t safe to breathe, the death of laughter in the workplace warns of low morale, high stress and poor results.
2. Laughter is a great way to connect with other people. Humor puts people at ease and builds trust. Teams that are comfortable working together and trust each other get better results. A fun team is a productive team!
3. Your boss thinks it’s important! A survey by Robert Half International found the 91% of executives consider a sense of humor important for career advancement and 84% think people with a good sense of humor do a better job!

This week, in honor of National Laugh at Work Week look around and see if your co-workers are laughing. Is laughter a regular part of your work day? Are there ways you could bring more laughter to your team?

I’d love to know your thoughts and experiences!

Myra McElhaney is an author and speaker who helps people to Enjoy Life and Do Good! Visit her website at www.MyraMcElhaney.com. Her memoir, Building A Life You Love After Losing the Love of Your Life is available at Amazon.com