Fun*cilitation: Facilitating Fun and Effectiveness
by Gail Howerton, MA, CLP

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As the CEO (Chief Energizing Officer) at Fun*cilitators and a Certified Leisure Professional with a degree in Recreation and a Masters in Experiential Education; I have dedicated over 20 years to promoting the benefits of playful professionalism, fun at work, and practicing safe stress. The research is overwhelmingly positive about the benefits of humor in the workplace and embracing the concept of fun and effectiveness.

A staff that plays together, stays together, and performs together. Workers are like cows - contented cows give more milk and contented workers produce more.

Creating a workplace that is enjoyable and where there is a liberation of talent, rather than restraint by rule decreases absenteeism, turnover, and stress while it increases creativity, productivity, and job satisfaction, (a key factor to longevity).

People with a sense of humor have three times the energy than those who don`t. Laughing and smiling help the immune system fight disease and decrease stress. We know stress kills the heart and can cause brain damage.

Blending fun into our workday helps integrate the left and right brain hemispheres which helps balance our energy and focus. Take short breaks throughout the day to move your body and your mind to stay refreshed.

The learning process should be playful to entice a relaxed state of mind, aid in retention, and hold the interest of the learner. If the learning is interactive; retention and understanding are increased with the inclusion of more senses as well as the emotions.

Creating a fun environment in your organization also boosts customer retention. People like doing business with people who like doing business - they keep coming back to pleasant people.

The April cover of Incentive Magazine stated: "Funny business - Want to increase productivity? - Make "em laugh". So the verdict is in - you can promote peak performance through playful professionalism.