Geek Industry Insights: Never Give A Prankster Brown Playdough

“Geek Industry Insights” is my series of posts exploring the inner workings of a technology company. I will discuss the unique culture, politics, and challenges that permeate the industry.

In this installment we will explore the lighter side of ArcStone’s company culture, and how humor can bring a boost of morale and productivity when it’s needed most.

At ArcStone, It’s Not Uncommon To Experience Some Good-Natured Ribbing
I think we can all agree happiness is important. At ArcStone, we think happiness is so important, it’s part of our guidingprinciples. One way to cultivate an atmosphere of happiness is with humor. During business hours at ArcStone, it’s not uncommon to experience some good natured ribbing, harmless pranks, or friendly banter between co-workers.

On the surface it may seam like these interactions are a waste of time, albeit a small one. However, I believe something profound is happening during these moments. Communicating with humor eases work place stress, makes peers seem more approachable, and exposes another part of people’s personalities.

These byproducts of humorous interaction help build bonds between individuals and ultimately result in a more cohesive company. A group of employees with strong bonds will work better as a team for a number of reasons.

Perspective
No matter how bad the bug is, or how hopelessly corrupt the database, no one is going to die when we make mistakes. Being able to laugh in even the most dire situations helps people work through it.

Approachability
Colleagues that show their sense of humor are more approachable, and when their expertise is needed team members won’t hesitate to engage them.

Energy
Amazing biological and mental things happen when we laugh. An office full of laughter will be injected with an energy and life that help sustain productivity and make people excited to come to work.

When Ever I Receive A Gift With Prank Potential, It Gets Utilized To The Fullest Extent
There are several ways in which we actively cultivate humor at ArcStone. At our annual holiday party, a quiz of ArcStone related trivia reveals fun and interesting facts aboutemployees. Our office server hosts a MUDgame that allows employees to explore dungeons and compete for treasure. Also, when ever I receive a gift with prank potential (brown playdough, a fake arm), it gets utilized to the fullest extent.

Although I can’t back up my theories with hard data, flow charts, or clinical studies, in the ten years ArcStone has been in business only two people have ever quit. To paraphrase; the proof is in the poo.