Serious fun is a European training consultancy specialized in the applications of humour, play, and positive emotions in the workplace. Believe it or not, dozens of serious organizations, including IKEA, Daimler, Olympus and ING, have hired us to speak at corporate events, give training sessions and provide consulting services. We've even been featured in hundreds of news articles, radio interviews and even prime-time newcasts.

We know, it sounds a bit odd. We've all been taught that work should be hard, formal and even boring in order to be effective. Office hours have never seemed the best time for fun and games, and even less so during a global recession. However, psychological research has demonstrated that elements of play and humour, applied appropriately in a work context:

• Reduce stress and negative emotions, helping us to face problems, failures, deadlines, mondays and even the current economic crisis
• Have long term mental health benefits
• Attract and retain the best talent
• Reinforce individual and group motivation
• Improve creativity, decision-making and learning
• Bring work teams closer together
• Make communication more effective
• Strengthen customer loyalty
• Create a more enjoyable work environment

It’s no joke. Some of the most serious companies in the world, from Google to Virgin to Southwest Airlines, have demonstrated that a humorous, playful atmosphere at work can be an important competitive advantage.

How do they do it? Contact us to find out...