How a Little Humor Can Improve Your Work Life

Laughter and jokes can make us happier and more productive on the job.

Why do we laugh at movies like Office Space or shows like The Office? What’s so funny about work?

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About The Author

Greater Good Science Center's picture

This article originally appeared on Greater Good, the online magazine of the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley.

The Greater Good Science Center studies the psychology, sociology, and neuroscience of well-being, and teaches skills that foster a thriving, resilient, and compassionate society.

Based at the University of California, Berkeley, the GGSC is unique in its commitment to both science and practice: Not only do we sponsor groundbreaking scientific research into social and emotional well-being, we help people apply this research to their personal and professional lives. Since 2001, we have been at the fore of a new scientific movement to explore the roots of happy and compassionate individuals, strong social bonds, and altruistic behavior—the science of a meaningful life. And we have been without peer in our award-winning efforts to translate and disseminate this science to the public.

The Benefits of a Dog-Friendly Workplace

A 30-second microbreak increases employees’ productivity by 13%. A 15-second break from staring at a computer screen every ten minutes reduces fatigue by 50%. Yet despite this, it’s often difficult to get employees to take their breaks. Whether it’s pressure to meet their deadlines or a hesitancy to break their rhythm, not taking those breaks can lead an employee to get burned out.

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About The Author

Jennifer Madsen's picture

Jennifer Madsen is an experienced freelance writer with a background in health and wellness. When not working she loves to travel and especially enjoys lakeside and seaside locations.

 

Why I Quit Working on Abusive Film Sets - and What I'm Doing to Reframe the Industry

From Volunteer Film Crew Member to Inclusive Production House Owner

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About The Author

Greg Hemmings's picture

As an entrepreneur, filmmaker, and community movement-maker, Greg Hemmings is a global thought leader in the area of positive social impact filmmaking. Greg’s focus is on how companies can inspire positive change by investing in social impact films and at the same time, increase brand trust in the market.

His commitment for positive social change has taken him and his team to all corners of the globe to tell global stories to inspire local change and local stories to inspire global change. His company, Hemmings House, is a certified B-Corporation and employs 12 full-time change-makers who feverishly produce filmed content that makes a difference. Hemmings House has been producing film content for the brand marketing and global broadcast industries for almost a decade. They have also created a process that engages social community and brand stakeholders in the film story experience helping to accelerate social movements that matter to them.

Their TV series’ and documentaries have been sold to over 60 broadcasters around the world, and they have helped connect customers to brands with aligned values by helping tell authentic stories that build trust.

Greg is a member of the Order of the Wallace McCain Institute and a graduate of the Wallace McCain Institute’s Entrepreneur Leadership Program. He has also furthered his training with the National Screen Institute for their Global Television Marketing Program in Winnipeg and Cannes France, as well as the North American Media Executive Leadership Program in Banff.

Greg has won multiple awards internationally and regionally including the prestigious Royal Common Wealth Society’s Vision Film Award in London England. 

Greg is also a mentor, public speaker, podcaster, writer, adventurer, musician…and most importantly a dad and husband.

greg@hemmingshouse.com
www.greghemmngs.me
www.hemmingshouse.com
Twitter / Instagram @greghemmings
Blog Medium.com/@greghemmings

Keepers of the Keys: Reimagining the Dynamic Duo

If you’ve ever worked in business you’ve probably noticed the overwhelming number of women in administrative positions.

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About The Author

The Emotional Businessist's picture

"I like to explore the intersection between emotion and business in the public-profit world. I have observed a natural tension in this space which leads to juicy and provocative conversations. I try to remain detached, stay open-minded, and play devil's advocate to seek and speak the truth."

TheEmoBiz lives in the forest with a spouse, toddler, and dog, has been working in business for over a decade, has a daily spiritual practice, and comes from a family of writers. Follow @TheEmoBiz on Medium and Twitter.
 

Real Leaders Step Forward When Others Step Back

On Monday morning I was in a rare circumstance — the CEO of a large urban bank was knocking on my corner office door, asking to have a few minutes of my time to philosophize about the future of the new economy. We talked about a great many things, and the minutes turned into hours. Toward the end of the conversation, this CEO recited a well-known quote from the early 20th-century visionary businessman Peter Drucker, often considered the inventor of modern management:

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About The Author

The Emotional Businessist's picture

"I like to explore the intersection between emotion and business in the public-profit world. I have observed a natural tension in this space which leads to juicy and provocative conversations. I try to remain detached, stay open-minded, and play devil's advocate to seek and speak the truth."

TheEmoBiz lives in the forest with a spouse, toddler, and dog, has been working in business for over a decade, has a daily spiritual practice, and comes from a family of writers. Follow @TheEmoBiz on Medium and Twitter.
 

Business (and everything else) Needs Both: Wo/Men Win Together, Lose Together

I had the wonderful opportunity to attend SOCAP in San Francisco — a 3,000-person conference with over 100 sessions on social capital markets. A big theme was gender lens investing, or choosing investments based on gender equality rankings.

I consider myself a pretty committed feminist so I attended these forums with much excitement, anticipating the announcement of break-through approaches for uniting women and men once and for all.

Disappointment didn’t take long to set in.

Tags: 

About The Author

The Emotional Businessist's picture

"I like to explore the intersection between emotion and business in the public-profit world. I have observed a natural tension in this space which leads to juicy and provocative conversations. I try to remain detached, stay open-minded, and play devil's advocate to seek and speak the truth."

TheEmoBiz lives in the forest with a spouse, toddler, and dog, has been working in business for over a decade, has a daily spiritual practice, and comes from a family of writers. Follow @TheEmoBiz on Medium and Twitter.
 

Healthy Tips: How to Avoid Overeating at Work

Have you ever had a work day where the snacks were everywhere—and you got home and had no idea what you really ate?

You’re not alone

Your mindless noshing isn’t an isolated incidence: About half of all people end up overeating while at work. If they try to compensate by skipping meals, then the results lead to sluggishness or grumpiness. So what then can you do to skip the don’t-need-them snacks at work?

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About The Author

The Right Way to Get Angry at Work

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About The Author

Greater Good Science Center's picture

This article originally appeared on Greater Good, the online magazine of the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley.

The Greater Good Science Center studies the psychology, sociology, and neuroscience of well-being, and teaches skills that foster a thriving, resilient, and compassionate society.

Based at the University of California, Berkeley, the GGSC is unique in its commitment to both science and practice: Not only do we sponsor groundbreaking scientific research into social and emotional well-being, we help people apply this research to their personal and professional lives. Since 2001, we have been at the fore of a new scientific movement to explore the roots of happy and compassionate individuals, strong social bonds, and altruistic behavior—the science of a meaningful life. And we have been without peer in our award-winning efforts to translate and disseminate this science to the public.

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Woman laughing with friends while drinking coffee
11/20/2019
Laughter and jokes can make us happier and more productive on the job. Why do we laugh at movies like Office Space or shows like The Office? What’s so funny about work? For one... read more
Two Golden Retriever dogs lay on parquet floor
05/20/2019
A 30-second microbreak increases employees’ productivity by 13%. A 15-second break from staring at a computer screen every ten minutes reduces fatigue by 50%. Yet despite this, it’s often... read more
Various movie reels, projectors, phonographs, etc
10/19/2017
From Volunteer Film Crew Member to Inclusive Production House Owner It was early winter of 1998 when I heard that a Hollywood feature film was going to be shot in my hometown of Saint... read more
Close up of two chrome keys on white background.
09/25/2017
If you’ve ever worked in business you’ve probably noticed the overwhelming number of women in administrative positions. According to the census, 96% of administrative assistants in 2010 were... read more
Metal spheres in a circle show example of leadership from the center.
09/05/2017
On Monday morning I was in a rare circumstance — the CEO of a large urban bank was knocking on my corner office door, asking to have a few minutes of my time to philosophize about the future of the... read more
Woman on pink background ignoring yelling man on blue background.
04/23/2017
I had the wonderful opportunity to attend SOCAP in San Francisco — a 3,000-person conference with over 100 sessions on social capital markets. A big theme was gender lens investing, or... read more
Woman eating birthday cake at the office.
04/02/2017
Anonymous (not verified)
Have you ever had a work day where the snacks were everywhere—and you got home and had no idea what you really ate? You’re not alone Your mindless noshing isn’t an isolated incidence: About... read more
angry man in suit squeezing his own face
07/17/2016
by Deanna Geddes & Dirk Lindebaum | Greater Good Science Center Workplace anger often gets a bad rap. It conjures up images of hotheaded bosses who intimidate their employees, or creative... read more
Woman laughing with friends while drinking coffee
11/20/2019
Laughter and jokes can make us happier and more productive on the job. Why do we laugh at movies like Office Space or shows like The Office? What’s so funny about work? For one... read more
Two Golden Retriever dogs lay on parquet floor
05/20/2019
A 30-second microbreak increases employees’ productivity by 13%. A 15-second break from staring at a computer screen every ten minutes reduces fatigue by 50%. Yet despite this, it’s often... read more
Various movie reels, projectors, phonographs, etc
10/19/2017
From Volunteer Film Crew Member to Inclusive Production House Owner It was early winter of 1998 when I heard that a Hollywood feature film was going to be shot in my hometown of Saint... read more
Close up of two chrome keys on white background.
09/25/2017
If you’ve ever worked in business you’ve probably noticed the overwhelming number of women in administrative positions. According to the census, 96% of administrative assistants in 2010 were... read more
Metal spheres in a circle show example of leadership from the center.
09/05/2017
On Monday morning I was in a rare circumstance — the CEO of a large urban bank was knocking on my corner office door, asking to have a few minutes of my time to philosophize about the future of the... read more
Woman on pink background ignoring yelling man on blue background.
04/23/2017
I had the wonderful opportunity to attend SOCAP in San Francisco — a 3,000-person conference with over 100 sessions on social capital markets. A big theme was gender lens investing, or... read more
Woman eating birthday cake at the office.
04/02/2017
Anonymous (not verified)
Have you ever had a work day where the snacks were everywhere—and you got home and had no idea what you really ate? You’re not alone Your mindless noshing isn’t an isolated incidence: About... read more
angry man in suit squeezing his own face
07/17/2016
by Deanna Geddes & Dirk Lindebaum | Greater Good Science Center Workplace anger often gets a bad rap. It conjures up images of hotheaded bosses who intimidate their employees, or creative... read more