LAUGHING more at work can reduce stress, boost energy and help with team bonding, and one Derby company is fully embracing the fun by introducing Laughtercise sessions to its working day.
Award-winning Vibrant Accountancy, who are based in Lodge Lane, have recently started working with Aaron Betesta, owner of Laughtercise; a company that works with the likes of Amazon, Coors and the NHS to provide a unique experience for team away days, meetings and conferences.
The partnership came about after Vibrant owner Bev Wakefield invested in Laughtercise for her team and Aaron, keen to raise the profile of his fledgling business, asked Bev if she could help his company.
Aaron said: “Science has proven that laughter can release feel-good endorphins, boost your immune system and antibody count, and lower adrenaline and cortisol levels that can cause anxiety and stress.
“Our sessions are perhaps the most fun you can ever have at work, and the games and exercises that we get participants to do create a bundle load of laughs.
“We’ve delivered corporate fun days, team development sessions and ice-breakers to businesses across the UK – from the British Heart Foundation and Coors, to Amazon and Aviva – and that is how we came to be involved with Vibrant; we delivered a team bonding session for them, which went down really well. Vibrant are always up for a laugh.”
Bev says that the sessions have helped to make what is a close team at Vibrant even closer.
She said: “There is a lot of research around the benefits of laughter, and I guess that you could say that, traditionally, accountants aren’t known for being a barrel of laughs.
“But we’re not your traditional accountants; we like to do things differently and that is why Laughtercise has been so beneficial for our team.”
Bev is now working with Aaron to help take his business to the next level. She has developed a business plan for his company and, after just two weeks, he has seen an increase in revenue.
“Vibrant have an informal, honest approach to business and I really like that,” added Aaron.
“Bev’s sunny personality comes through in the way she runs her company, and their no-nonsense attitude has made me accountable for my actions. After just two weeks and with an improved marketing strategy, renewed focus and new techniques I have managed to make an extra £1,000 profit.
“There is no fluff and no ego. Just honest truth on how I can manage my business more successfully.”
