Some managers and employees take themselves too seriously, and it can often lead to an unproductive work environment:

U.S. workers consume 15 tons of aspirin every day!
One out of every four workers suffers from anxiety-related illness.
Companies spend almost half of their bottom line on employee health costs, many of which are related to stress.

If recent trends in the workforce continue, job stress will soon become the No. 1 factor in workers' compensation. But recent and long-term studies have discovered that wellness promotion programs have resulted in significant decreases in health care costs - and humor (simple translation - fun) is some of the best medicine for reducing stress.

Rally Around Humor
Humor and fun can be important aspects of a company's culture. Employees and managers who can laugh together often develop stronger working relationships. Remember that for activities like this to act as team-builders, they have to be for everybody. In its simplest form, this means no joke you would not want to hear about yourself or someone you love, and no activity you would not want your sister to participate in. This is an easy litmus test for what's appropriate, and outside of that, there's no greater bonding tool than laughter.

Loosen Up!
If your employees are working on a tedious or repetitive project, injecting a little humor into the project can reduce boredom and tension. Send them singing telegrams and cookie bouquets. Feed them, and make it fun - go out, even. One hour outside the office will not compromise any project.

By having some fun with the project, employees are more likely to stick with it. Studies have shown that a little humor doesn't detract from tasks requiring concentration, and breaks make people more productive when they return. Remember that high expectations from your staff are not predicated upon misery. The fact is that unhappy people are less productive. If at all possible, thank and reward people in some fashion when they complete a project of this nature.

Breaking the Ice
More than 80 percent of conflict is a result of poor communication, often because people get off on the wrong foot. Humor is a great way to break the ice. Laughter is the commonality that can help develop a rapport and neutralize emotionally charged interpersonal situations. And remember, conflict is less likely to erupt in the first place in an environment that already has some joy in it. Remember the Old West adage, "Smile when you say that, stranger." It's an easy way to start.

Try implementing the "five-minute rule." The rule permits anyone to suggest an idea. Then, for the first five minutes after the idea is expressed, only positive comments can be made. By the time the idea is talked about for five minutes, it has usually spun into an impromptu brainstorm session that cultivates truly great ideas, and some form of the discussion is often implemented.

Create Ambiance
Humorous signs, posters or memos can really lighten up the mood in the office. Posting cartoons, jokes or funny notes on the bulletin board doesn't require a big investment and can provide lots of fun entertainment. Cartoon contests can be fun, and even small prizes for winners mean something. If you have room, create a space where employees can go, even briefly, to relax and wind down. The standard lunchroom may end up being this type of space, and it doesn't take much to make one room a cheerful one.

Have a Little Fun
Employees often receive high praise in their work evaluations, but then are told they are "having too much fun." As long as the productivity and quality continue and increase, there is no such thing as having too much fun. Don't sweat the small stuff. In fact, managers should go out of their way to give their employees permission to have fun. It has been proven to be good for business!

Consider holding theme days or fun contests periodically in the office. Try a "daily humor or fun break." Use a little imagination to put fun back into work. For help with this, we recommend Get Weird! : 101 Innovative Ways to Make Your Company a Great Place to Work by John Putzier. He recommends things like:

• Whaddya Know? - learning through puzzles, quizzes, and games
• Hire-Times - post-interview fun; a night-on-the-town with host employees
• Wall of Fame - a display of individual successes
• Rock Me, Baby - give techies and GenXers the rock-concert tickets they crave
• Galloping Gourmets - take-home gourmet dinners for employees and their families

What Are You Waiting For?
If you agree that a little joy in the office is a good idea, don't waste time implementing it! Take a proactive approach to ensure that humor becomes a routine at work. One of the original and most powerful books on the efficiency of organizations, "In Search of Excellence," promotes the idea that life and business are more fun AND more productive if people are excited and committed to what they are doing. It's a idea that merits constant revisiting.