In the December issue of The O&P EDGE, an article highlighted the use of dark humor in the medical field, including O&P. Expectedly, dark humor is not for everyone and can be seen as offensive by some. Sixty percent of those who responded to our question said they could see the need for dark humor in the healthcare setting, but 15 percent of respondents said dark humor was completely unnecessary. The remainder said that it can help with new perspectives.
One follower commented that the informal survey was, indeed, offensive. “Research with military amputees found that dark humor is an indicator of recovery from depression. It’s a coping mechanism. To put down the coping mechanism of someone is arrogant. And the research article implied that they were flawed for joking…. It reflects an attitude that diminishes the lived experience of others who are different. ”
Since the new movie about a Neil Diamond tribute band, Song Sung Blue, starring Hugh Jackman, opened on Christmas Day, we asked our followers about their favorite Neil Diamond tune.
Apparently many of our followers, 27 percent by this poll, aren’t fans. (Please don’t count this writer among that group. Happily, I admit to always being a Neil Diamond fan, and I love just about every one of his songs.) Sixty seven percent said their favorite song is “Sweet Caroline” and 7 percent prefer “I Am, I Said.” No one said they liked “Song Sung Blue,” interesting since the movie makers went with that one.
Over the Christmas break, we asked our followers about gift wrapping, which can be a real chore for some. Eighty-five percent said they do the wrapping themselves (like this writer, no matter the shape or size, as long there is plenty of tape), 12 percent said they use gift bags, and 3 percent said they pay others to wrap their gifts.
Last week, since most people were returning to work after a holiday break, we wanted to know what came first in their back-to-work routine. Half of those who responded said that returning to work helped them to get back on a schedule, 27 percent said clearing out the email inbox was the first priority of business, 14 percent said reconnecting with coworkers, and 9 percent said they were managing new stresses.
This week, we’re keeping the focus on back to work, this time highlighting the new year and being prepared for new opportunities and new pressures. Our question: What are ways you can keep your business thriving? So far, our followers are focusing on keeping the team educated. Tell us what you think. We’d love to hear from you.
