Top 10 Ways to Lighten Up at Work

Too often, the workplace is an entirely too serious place. And yet study after study shows that a lighthearted approach aids career advancement, reduces turnover and absenteeism, and enhances productivity and work performance. Here are just a few ways to inject brightness into your day and/or your workplace.

1. Smile. Doing so actually short-circuits rising anger and stress, and can trigger gentler, more humorous views of a situation.

2. Dress up. Wear a goofy hat while at your computer, or keep a pair of red Wizard of Oz shoes to slip on when the stress is getting thick.

3. Keep a playlist of funny songs on your computer; indulge as necessary to clear mental detritus.

4. Take a break. Keep puzzles, ring toss and other diversions in the break room.

5. Institute a “fashion day,” on which the whole office (or just you) dress according to a theme. Some theme ideas: tackiest, favorite cartoon character, etc.

6. Add humor to normal, everyday business. That means presentations, performance evaluations, meetings, newsletters, etc. Give a prize for the funniest memo of the week.

7. Gather a fun committee. This group is in charge of encouraging laughter in the office.

8. Keep a funny file. Collect cartoons, jokes, comic strips and stories from newspapers, magazines and friends.

9. Play games. Consult a drama games book for ideas on short activities that leave everyone grinning and in a different head space.

10. Remember…what it was like to be a kid. Do jumping jacks. Make funny faces. Skip or hopscotch down an office aisle.