The Amazing Power of Fun

It seems that each and every day we are fed a healthy diet of negative news from the media: companies are laying off workers, we are experiencing the worst recession since the dawn of man, global warming is melting the planet, war, famine, poverty, healthcare, taxes are going up etc. All of this instability and negative news is enough to make you want to pull the covers over your head and just stay in bed.

Of course, these events are very real, and sadly, they impact some worse than others. Yet, despite all of these problems, no – because of all of the negative things going on in society we must find meaning, joy and happiness wherever we can, so why not at work?

It’s my hypothesis that happy employees are the X-Factor helping businesses to thrive. When we are having fun, we tend to have more energy and are therefore better equipped to handle difficult tasks, overcome obstacles, and accomplish more. So you see, fun and happiness not only benefit the individual, but they also make for good business. Just ask yourself this question, would you rather spend time at a wedding or a funeral?

Energy, both positive and negative is very contagious. Therefore, let’s commit right here, and right now to start a grass-roots movement by eradicating boredom and gloom in the workplace. How? Let’s start by shielding out the negativity, staying positive, faking it until you make it and embracing the joy manifesto:

The joy manifesto:

• Smile – It has been scientifically proven in controlled studies that simply smiling long enough can actually make you feel happy. You can read more about this phenomenon in this HBS Article:

• Abide by the Golden Rule: Treat others as you would like to be treated

• Apply more carrot and less stick – is anyone ever really motivated by the stick?

• Pay it forward – Hold the door, bring someone coffee, call an old friend, help a customer with a difficult problem, help motivate others.

• Don’t complain – Focus instead on what’s right and build from there

• Don’t worry be happy – “Bobby McFerrin”

Some events are beyond our control, but we can control how we choose to react to them. Search for the fun, stay positive, and enjoy the amazing power of fun and profit in your life.

Do you have any examples, large or small of injecting fun in the workplace to share?