Trying Humor for Stress Reduction at the Workplace

The first signs of work related stress appear like health problems, low performances and distracted employees. Most of the times though, there are no signs that the employees are stressed, especially if they choose to hide them in order to keep their jobs. If you don't notice any stress signs that doesn't mean you should ignore the doubts related to workplace stress and choose to follow a stress prevention program.

>>> About half of the US companies promote several types of stress management courses for their employees. Those programs are ideal for learning about the nature and the causes of stress, such as time planning and relaxation exercises. The advantages of stress reduction programs are clear: low costs, maximum efficiency and easy implementation.

One of the most successful methods used in stress management programs is humor for stress reduction. Humor for stress reduction has proved to be a great instrument in fighting and eliminating stress. Many recent studies indicate that humor for stress reduction will also enhance the professional performances of the employees. It seems that the employees that choose to laugh when confronted with stressful situations are not only healthier than the others, but their efficiency is much better on a long term.

Any business manager is aware that the employees' satisfaction is essential for an optimum performance at the workplace. The curious fact is though that only few of them actually use humor for stress reduction and improvement of the workplace atmosphere.

Humor is very healthy for people and businesses as well. People tend to spend in the present more time at work than quality time with their families and this can easily cause stressful behavior. Imagine what a stress relief method would be a carnival at your workplace once at every few months.

The laugh room was an interesting idea of the Kodak managers. They put up a room filled with pictures of famous comic actors such as Charlie Chaplin, a true humor for stress reduction oasis for releasing some of the pressure accumulated during a working day. Here are some other ingenious ideas used by creative managers in order to use humor for stress reduction:

* Funny newspapers printed once a week and distributed to all employees;

* Theme parties once at every few months (like a 70?s theme party);

* Team building trips where the employees have the chance to interact and relax.

Another proved fact is that humor and creativity go hand in hand, and some companies have provided their employees with computers they can use both for playing games and working. The result? A friendly working environment and a bunch of extremely creative employees, which confirms once again that work, can be taken seriously, even with a smile on the face.

Humor for stress reduction has an important role in maintaining the health of the employees, as it is well known that stress can easily damage our immune system causing several disorders. Creating a relaxed working atmosphere will automatically decrease the number of medical leases that the company needs to pay yearly for stress related health problems. Therefore, humor for stress reduction can even save companies lots of money.

Finally, but not the least important humor for stress reduction is refreshing for the employees, enhancing the friendship relations between working colleagues. Every problems related to the lack of communication will be solved, and the competition between employees can turn into a funny and inciting one instead of a life and death fight.

The benefits of humor for stress reduction can be applied anywhere, but remember that humor is a stress reduction instrument, and not a weapon. Just consider the fact that everything has a limit when joking at the workplace, but as long as everybody is having fun, go ahead and enjoy the working day!

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