August, 2000
There’s no place that needs humor more than the workplace. Often, though, we’re reluctant to use it, torn between understanding the value of humor and knowing work is no joke.
In fact, most of us have some counter-productive beliefs about humor and the workplace:
People won’t take me seriously if I’m funny or laugh. Although it’s important to take our work seriously, it’s critical that we don’t take ourselves too seriously. Humor can lighten the mood and clear out the mental cobwebs when we face difficult decisions or problems.
Humor doesn’t help the bottom line. Yes, it does. Health care costs are many companies’ biggest expense and study after study has found that laughter really is a great medicine, helping improve employees’ physical and mental health and the company’s fiscal health.
A key coping mechanism, humor relieves stress and burnout and can add years to employees’ lives. And, in today’s fast-paced, team-based workplace, humor is a great way to build effective relationships, open up communication and boost creativity.
According to author Ken Blanchard, humor can also increase the amount of honest feedback employees provide and the capacity for co-workers to share good news.
There are many ways to add humor to your workplace. Here are several.
Funny props. Put a funny poster on an office wall or your door. Wear an offbeat or odd tie or drink out of a funny mug or glass. A quick trip to almost any store will likely yield hundreds of gizmos that will give you and your co-workers a lift.
Add humor to memos and meetings. Although both usually involve important issues, humor can help reduce stress and boost creativity. Putting a funny quote about the subject at the top of the memo or on a board in the meeting room works well.
Personal blunders. All of us have funny things happen to us. Sharing amusing personal stories that relate to a work situation can help improve everyone’s mood.
Use humor as a tool, not a weapon. There’s a huge difference between laughing with others and laughing at someone. Humor should be appropriate, timely and tasteful.
