The Economics of Laughter: Morale Boost & Productivity!
We have all heard time and again that laughter is good for the soul. But is it good for business, too?
Certainly, the economics of laughter are undeniable. Laughter is an effective tool for raising morale in the workplace. More importantly, it leads to personal fulfillment and a feeling of satisfaction.
Workplaces Are Afraid of Laughter
Unfortunately, many modern managers wrongfully believe that being disciplined is the only approach to achieving goals.
For them, being disciplined is about putting one’s head down to work and not getting up until it’s time to go home.
Any kind of socialization and fraternization in the workplace is considered an act of rebellion and highly discouraged. This ‘disciplined approach’ is considered the only viable method of ensuring that company targets are met.
While it is true that the office is no place for practical jokes or clowning around, it also need not be filled with the solemnity of a funeral parlor or the discipline of a school classroom.
Employee Morale and Productivity
Morale is a state of mind, an elusive quality, an attitude, a perception of job, life, team members, managers and the organization a person works for.
Low morale among the workforce carries some seriously high costs for their employers. It can be caused by uncertain business conditions, limited chances of career progression, lack of fair compensation and unfulfilling conditions at work.
Here’s how happiness in the workplace comes into the scenario.
Laughter isn’t just the best medicine; it is also a certified sound management and financial practice. While old-school mangers seem to believe that the effects of low morale are more spiritual and intangible, the fact remains that its effects on productivity and financial soundness are measureable and concrete.
According to a Gallup Report, more than 22 million disengaged American employees are costing the national economy as much as $450 billion to $550 billion every year when the costs of absenteeism, illness and other low morale issues are accounted for. All of it is lost productivity, which could have been avoided with a bit of investment in, and concern for, employee morale.
Happy Employees Work Harder
Laughter, socialization and friendships in the workplace all lead to greater profitability for an enterprise. Happier employees are more fulfilled; they work harder and more consistently instead of treating their jobs and careers as a constant punishment.
Happiness has physiological, mental, emotional and social benefits for the employees as well.
Laughter in the Workplace Makes Business Sense
It all comes down to the ROI! Managers must realize that taking part in team-building activities will have a positive effect on their bottom-line.
As an award-winning corporate speaker, Steve Rizzo offers some beautifully engaging and motivating presentations, chief among them Get Your SHIFT Together! Learn more about him and engage this Hall of Fame Speaker here.