NATION

NATION

Humor in the workplace

NEW YORK — For a more productive office, forget glaring bosses and co-workers who are buried in the books. To better workplace performance, jump-start creativity, increase communication and office bonding, tell a joke or a funny story instead, said University of Missouri-Columbia management professor Chris Robert.

“For individuals who can produce or appreciate humor — that seems to be associated with both intelligence and creativity,” said Robert, who wrote a theoretical paper on humor in the workplace with graduate student Wan Yan.

Further, both the processes of sharing something funny and enjoying a story can boost co-workers’ moods. And Robert’s study suggests a strong link between mood and workplace performance and outcomes. Happier employees, he said, tend to have better communications skills and are less likely to quit.

Plan for stability

NEW YORK — Flexible hours, choosing one’s own projects and being able to work in pajamas might seem appealing, but before deciding to join the rising number of temporary or self-employed American workers, make sure to plan for financial and emotional stability.

The Freelancers Union, a nonprofit organization, offers some tips for those wishing to strike out on their own:

• Get health insurance. If traditional individual insurance setups are too costly, consider joining a catastrophic medical insurance plan.

• Save. Transfer a set amount of money into savings every month and set up an individual retirement plan.

• Don’t forget taxes. Many freelancers and contractors get paid in a lump sum, but taxes still have to come from those paychecks.

• Meet others by joining local professional associations.

Associated Press