Keep it light at your workplace!
AN OFFICE IS NO LONGER JUST A PLACE OF WORK, AS IT HAS BECOME EQUALLY IMPERATIVE TO HAVE FUN ALSO. EXPERTS OF INDIA INC. EXPLAIN THE IMPORTANCE OF HUMOUR EVEN DURING DIRE TIMES
SHEETAL SRIVASTAVA All in good humour It is said that humour is a positive emotion. Daniel Goleman, in his book ‘Primal Leadership’, speaks of the way a leader’s mood affects everyone in the organisation. “If the leader is stern and heavy-handed, others in the company dread coming to work, feeling they are always being critically watched. The atmosphere becomes vicious and bitter, and people are afraid to admit their mistakes or receive feedback,” says Lekha Sishta, VP - HR & Talent Management, SumTotal Systems – India. While there is so much written and talked about the global slowdown, employees feel bogged down and are affected by the negativity of the situation. In such a scenario, humour helps consolidate the staff and also brings a sigh of relief at the workplace. Many organisations feel it is critical that HR, in tough times, exhibit the humane side of their nature by being warm, considerate, open to hearing employees and staying in constant touch with them. Reaching out It’s important for employees to feel they are being heard. Thus, HR managers should make a conscious effort to reach out. At the Philips Innovation Campus’ (PIC) recent town meeting, various queries of employees were collated through the intranet and the same was put forth to the management team. All queries were answered transparently in a ‘Devil’s Advocate’ format. A group at PIC also has an interest group called ‘Fun-O-Holics’, which engages employees in fun activities. “We regularly organise the ‘Funathon’, which is a fun marathon around the campus,” confirms Y. Krishnamohan, senior director - HR, Philips Innovation Campus, Philips Electronics. It is also imperative that top managers, apart from work related discussions, share light moments with the staff. Senior managers sending out quick smiley mails to the team can help ease the situation at the workplace, no matter how grim it may be. Sharing is caring Sharing table space during lunch hour and tea-time always helps break hierarchical stand at the workplace. For the same reason, SumTotal Systems has started ‘Chai with…’ with the senior managers. “This session is not just about serious Q&A, but poking fun is absolutely encouraged without any recriminatory action,” further adds Sishta. In addition to this, SumTotal Systems personally sends out a mailer to its staff which is separate from work-related items. Everyone loves a smile and adores someone who can laugh at themselves at any given situation. The current slowdown may have induced a great amount of fear and anxiety in the minds of employees. However, there are many who are resorting to light-hearted humour just to stay away from the tension which is creeping in. Whatever the route, humour is necessary for ruffled situations to ease quickly.