"The Levity Effect"

Here are excerpts of a review found at Economist.com of "The Levity Effect" by Adrian Gostick and Scott Christopher:

"The Levity Effect" argues for lightening things up with such earnestness that it would pass for a spoof by the writers of 'The Office', a wonderful sitcom that revolves around a boss's excruciatingly awkward attempts at jocular banter with the staff. Indeed one of the book's 142 ways to have fun at work is to hold a marathon of 'The Office' at the office. Gather everyone to watch the best episodes of NBC's hit show during lunch for a week.

A remarkable amount of evidence supports the argument that levity pays. 'Fun at Work', Messrs Gostick and Christopher explain, 'can provide a competitive advantage, help attract and retain employees, and provide the spark to jump start creativity.' A fun workplace improves communication and morale, raises the level of employee trust, lowers employee turnover and increases profits.

Fun firms use a wide range of humor strategies. Intuit has a 'fun committee' that organises events such as potluck breakfasts and jeapordy games. AstraZeneca has a 'fun department' that brings 'funsters' to the firm to sing, distribute toys and tell jokes.

Another firm, which list fun among its core values, hands-out "Walk the Talk' awards, a set of wind-up chattering teeth presented by the chief executive accompanied by a kazoo band. KPMG, an accounting firm, holds online contest for staff (with great prizes) and gives away barbecue packs.

The best bet may be to hire people with a sense of humor. That was the philosophy of Herb Kelleher, the legendary boss of Southwest Airlines, an airline that is actually a pleasure to fly. One of this staff delivers one of the better and curiously timely lines in the book, 'We're sorry for the delay, but our automated bag smasher is broken and we are having to break your bags by hand.'"