Someone recently asked me what the “I” in R.O.I. is for Laughter On Call. I thought they were kidding. But apparently a new definition has been added to the acronym. We all understand the “I” to mean investment, but in an historically challenging atmosphere, it can now also mean impact. Since making choices - especially one as big as the singular intent of the company - can paralyze me, I am going to be greedy and say both. We’re a business servicing people, often people in business - whether it’s a senior community or a multinational conglomerate - so the “return on investment” is essential. Nevertheless, the whole company was born out of a desire to have an impact on those facing Alzheimer’s. We came in to bring levity to the smaller moments but since then we are taking on the bigger ones. Larger moments, our intention is definitely a larger impact! With these two “I”’s in mind, here are tangible reasons for why laughing together matters:
Beyond the immediate benefits of stress relief, communication improvement, and enhanced collaboration, Laughter on Call's approach to team building has a powerful knock-on effect on performance. By fostering a positive and inclusive environment, Laughter on Call ignites a chain reaction that leads to heightened productivity and overall success.
The Ripple Effect of Laughter:
When laughter fills the workplace, a remarkable transformation occurs. The newfound sense of community and camaraderie nurtured by Laughter on Call paves the way for higher employee morale and job satisfaction. Team members feel valued and appreciated, resulting in increased motivation and dedication to their work. As stated in the Harvard Business Review, “Why is humor so effective? Because shared laughter accelerates a feeling of closeness and trust.”
Improved Communication and Collaboration:
As barriers break down, communication between individuals, teams, and leadership becomes more transparent and effective. This heightened clarity promotes a seamless flow of ideas, feedback, and insights, ensuring that everyone's voice is heard and valued. With improved collaboration, teams become a cohesive unit, working together synergistically to achieve common goals.
Heightened Creativity and Problem-Solving:
Laughter on Call's interactive sessions stimulate creativity and innovative thinking. As team members bond through shared laughter, they become more comfortable expressing their ideas and exploring new solutions. The free flow of creativity leads to breakthroughs and a fresh perspective on complex challenges.
Reduced Burnout and Increased Resilience:
The stress relief fostered by Laughter on Call acts as a protective shield against burnout. Team members feel supported, and the sense of community bolsters their resilience to navigate demanding situations. As stress levels decrease, productivity and focus increase, resulting in more efficient work processes.
"If you expose your team to laughter first, and then have a meeting, the meeting might still be experienced as stressful to the participants, but their bodies will be reacting differently,” Dr. Dattilo explains. “The endorphins and the feel-good chemicals that are released during bursts and bouts of laughter attenuate the effect of stress on the body, lessening the damaging effects of cortisol when that is released." -Benefit News
Elevated Employee Engagement:
Laughter on Call's approach creates an engaging and enjoyable workplace experience. When team members look forward to coming to work, they invest themselves wholeheartedly in their tasks. Increased engagement leads to improved performance and a positive impact on the organization's bottom line. Plus, it’s fun!
"Successfully meeting the social health needs of employees will enhance the performance of the workforce, which, with time, can translate into measurable gains at the organizational level." Emerald
Next steps!
Laughter on Call's influence extends far beyond the laughter itself. By promoting connection, joy, and a collaborative culture, our improv and storytelling set in motion a chain of positive effects that drive performance and success. The transformed workplace becomes a hub of creativity, innovation, and resilience, where team members feel valued, heard, and empowered. With Laughter on Call, organizations unlock the power of laughter and unleash the full potential of their teams, propelling them to new heights of productivity and achievement.
