PowerPoint Presentation
HUMORCassandra Kitko, MBA, CHES, IC Assistant Manager, Health
InitiativesEmployee Benefits Division, Office of Human ResourcesKey
Take-away Skills
To increase your humor awarenessTo understand the benefits of
humorTo use humor appropriately and effectively in the workplaceTo
have some FUN!
What is a Sense of Humor?
Being at ease with yourselfAbility to act with lightnessIt is
not about being a comedian
Functions of Humor
PhysiologicPsychologicalSocialCommunication
Signs You Are Burned Out Because of Work
Your garbage can is in your in box.You sleep more at work than
at home.Your Day Timer exploded a week ago.Youre so tired you now
answer the phone forgetting your own name!You leave for a party and
instinctively take your ID badge.
Signs You Are Burned Out Because of Work
Visions of the upcoming weekend help you make it through
Monday.You think about how relaxing it would be if you were in jail
right now.You wake up to discover your bed is on fire, but go back
to sleep because you just dont care.Your friend calls to ask how
youve been, and you immediately scream, Im fine!
The Office Stress Test
Are you stressed at the office?
Take the stress test!
Humor Whys
Take your job seriouslyand take yourself lightlyHumor can help
us to surviveand thriveat workJest for the health of
it!De-stresserA smile is the shortest distance between two
people
Humor: A Value Added Benefit
Stress reducerCreativity enhancerStimulates fresh thinkingAllows
us to gain perspectiveTeam buildingPowerful communication tool
Benefits of Humor
Humor makes work fun/builds team spirit.Humor can help us cope
with problems.Humor offers perspective and balance.Humor isnt
fattening.Humor is a powerful communication tool and allows for
creative expression.
Benefits of Humor
Humor is a way to express the truth even when truth is feared
and repressed.Humor is mentally and physically good for
you.Laughter affirms life and brings people together.Humor often
succeeds where other methods have failed.It beats all the
alternatives.
Benefits of Humor
Dear Mom and Dad,
I am sorry that I have not called, but my cell phone was
destroyed when the dorm burned down. I am now out of the hospital
and the doctor said that I will recover soon. I have moved in with
the boy who rescued me.
Oh, also, I know that you have always wanted a grandchild, so
you will be pleased to know that I am pregnant and you will have
one soon!
Love, Mary
Benefits of Humor
P.S. There was no fire, my health is perfectly fine and I am not
pregnant. In fact, I dont even have a boyfriend.
But I did get a D in French and a C in math and chemistry, and I
just wanted to make sure that you keep it all in perspective!!!
When is Humor Not Appropriate?
Ethnic/gender jokesCruel humor (practical jokes)Sarcastic humor
(practical jokes)Non-stopHumor as a distraction
Stress-Producing Humor
Pokes fun at other peoples individual shortcomingsReflects
angerOffends with inappropriate use of sexual referencesDivides a
group by put-downsUses stereotypes to denigrate a person or
groupCreates a cruel, abusive and offensive atmosphereIs
insensitive to what causes others real painNegates
self-confidenceGives license to hurt someone
Stress-Reducing Humor
Reduces tension by joking about universal human frustrations and
faultsEncourages people to relax and laughDelights in poking fun at
oneselfUnites people by building rapportCreates a supportive
atmosphere of fun and caringIncludes everyone in the good timeNotes
the positive aspects of human relationshipsGives everyone a chance
to participate
How Can You TellYour Humor is Appropriate?
Body languageGives valuable feedbackClues and cues
Recent research suggests that the employee who can laugh in the
faceof hectic and stressful situations is probably not only a
healthier employee but a more productive employee in the long
run.
Randall OsborneProfessor of PsychologyHumor How Tos
Put humor into the physical environmentUse humor as a tool
rather than as a weaponBuild humor into the corporate cultureHumors
Bottom Line
Some Suggestions
Promote a light atmosphere in your workplaceBaby
picturesFavorite jokesHumorous quotesHumor bulletin boardPost the
joke of the dayPut cartoon on an office memoKeep a funny toy or
character on your deskHumor at Work Blumenfeld & Alpern
Application Rejection
Baxter ConnersVice President
Dear Mr. Connors,Thank you for your letter of February 17th.
After careful consideration I regret to inform you that I am unable
to accept your refusal to offer me employment with your bank.
This year I have been particularly fortunate in receiving an
unusually large number of rejection letters. With such a varied and
promising field of candidates it is impossible for me to accept all
refusals.
Despite Company 203s outstanding qualifications and previous
experience in rejecting applicants, I find that your rejection does
not meet my needs at this time. Therefore I will initiate
employment with your firm immediately following graduation.
I look forward to seeing you then.Sincerely, Me
Notice
This department requires no physical fitness program!
Everyone gets enough exercise jumping to conclusions, flying off
the handle, carrying things too far and dodging responsibility.
Humor Links
The Humor Project, Inc.www.humorproject.com
Despair, Inc.www.despair.com
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