- Date:: 2024-12-05 14:46
NEW WORKSHOP
It's only banter!
How to protect your workplace culture from toxic behaviour.
An essential workshop for every workplace in the UK - because in today's culture of inclusion, the cost of getting it wrong is higher than ever.
This ground-breaking training will help your organisation:
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Manage workplace culture and behaviour
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Maintain a fun environment while managing risk
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Address toxic banter in your team
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Create an inclusive environment that works for everyone
It's only banter
No one likes a laugh in the office more than Laughology. After all, we understand how laughter and humour in the workplace connects, engages and motivates people.
But we also understand that in today’s world, using banter can be like juggling a grenade with the pin pulled out, particularly in large organisations with a cross-section of ethnicities, genders and faiths.
So, the question is: When does playful banter cross into bullying?
At what point do workplace humour and banter cause anxiety, stress, and isolation? How can it impact wellbeing?
This workshop explores what’s funny and what’s not and looks at how we can use humour in an inclusive way. It equips teams with ways to use humour constructively while they promote a safe, engaging workplace culture.
The changing landscape for workplace humour
Remember the time Paula from accounts took a selfie of her bum, photoshopped eyes on the buttocks and used it as her profile pic on the team’s WhatsApp group?
“It was only a bit of banter!” she told HR.
Paula no longer works for this company. Here ends the lesson.
You see, society is evolving at a head-spinning pace. The need for inclusivity, mutual respect, and kindness is paramount. One person's funny is another person's insult.
Thankfully, insensitivity, stereotypes and offensive victim-led humour have no place in progressive, forward-looking, inclusive workplaces. Yet some can still cross the line, and this can constitute harassment, breaking workplace policies and potentially the law.
This positive shift is driven by a heightened awareness of inclusion, diversity and equity. That’s not to say that banter is dead. It’s still just as important to have a laugh at work, but nowadays, banter is expected to be respectful and considerate, promoting positive interactions among team members.
So, what’s acceptable and what’s out-of-bounds?
This is the conundrum many organisations and people are facing as they strive to keep a fun culture in the workplace yet also ensure everyone feels valued and comfortable. It's essential to understand that, while banter can still be playful and light-hearted, it should never come at the expense of someone's feelings or perpetuate harmful biases.
And with rising workplace disputes around banter, the cost of not addressing this issue could be significant. In our minds, it’s not worth the risk.
But we know it’s a minefield out there, full of banter-bombs ready to blow up in your face, which is why we’ve cleared a path for you with our new ‘It’s Only Banter’ workshop.
Book your workshop or keynote now.
What to Expect from our It's Only Banter Workshop:
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Learn to differentiate between good-natured banter and harmful bullying - identify early warning signs to prevent escalation and protect your organisation from potential legal issues.
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Equip your team at every level with practical knowledge to create a safe and enjoyable work environment - develop clear guidelines that maintain the fun while ensuring everyone feels respected and included, reducing staff turnover and improving productivity.
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Gain the skills to address banter that crosses the line and help everyone to know how to challenge – you'll gain confidence in addressing inappropriate behaviour early, using proven techniques to have difficult conversations that lead to positive change.
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Discuss the boundaries and the nuances of workplace banter and bullying so you can protect your team – helping you build a truly inclusive culture that celebrates diversity.
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Learn ways to use humour to support a fun and creative culture - discover techniques for using humour to boost morale, strengthen team bonds, and enhance creativity while maintaining professional boundaries.
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