When Dr. Kataria visited Japan to promote laughter, he noted a regular morning office routine - employees were required to participate in some form of "assembly" session and undertake brief physical exercises to start the day. This was meant as an integrative device to improve interpersonal relations and to create a positive attitude of cooperation.

BINGO!

A laughter session is the "mother of all" such activities, guaranteed to put the smile back on even the frowns cast in stone - and thus evolved the corporate services concept.

Here are some of the  concerns that apply to most HR departments and managers:
     
1. Fear of indiscipline & ridicule  - is a valid concern of managers who wish to maintain some distance from subordinates in order to better exercise their authority.  However wherever Dr. Kataria group sessions were adopted, this fear was a fear of fear, period. Once started the program stayed on as a joyful and re-energising break

2. Productivity - is the major concern of the management and does laughteryoga enhance or erode it? The evidence here is very strong per the health benefits to bust stress which is the silent killer that opens up a whole new field of consequential problems leading to high blood pressure, heart disease, ulcers, insomnia, depression, allergies.

The specific benefits of laughter therapy in corporate houses are:

  The raise in endorphin levels puts a sense of well-being and freshness into employees. Frowns turn into smiles

  Reduces inhibitions to increase self-confidence and develop leadership qualities amongst participants. Improves interpersonal relations between employees and hence enhances performance.

  Deep breathing, neck,shoulder and other body  stretching exercises help remove stiffness and pain resulting from a sedentary lifestyle.

  The meditative benefits of laughteryoga promote instant relaxation and a recharging of the mind and body. Laughter disconnects the mind from the clutter of problems and thereby creates a "vantage-window" to re-assess these from a fresh viewpoint once the mind is re-energised.

  As a group exercise, the participants remove negative factors such as guilt, anger, fear, jealousy and ego which impede our realising and contributing our best. The value-based laughters of laughteryoga encourage the growth of traits such as the art of forgiveness, paying compliments & appreciation,  and understanding human relationships.

  The  powerful messages embedded into laughteryoga sessions help participants to realise that laughter and happiness should be unconditional - irrespective of the ups and downs of life. The art of "letting go" fosters a happy and positive frame of mind and this possibly is the biggest part of the solution, to the  objectives of any enterprise or organisation.

  The power of group effort is demonstrated. "Going it alone" is a poor option to the vast resources of a group and laughteryoga helps build precisely this cooperation and harmony  between group members.

  Periodic attendance of laughteryoga sessions crumbles the barriers and  lowers the threshold of an individual's "laughing point". It takes progressively lesser and littler to make one laugh, thereby encouraging managers to discover their sense of humor and celebrate life inspite of its  tough challenges.

Various companies have what is called a "smoking room" for the convenience of their employees. Perhaps progressive companies wishing to create a happier and more productive workplace can think of a "laughing room" now!