Workplace Humour being a necessary spice!

I met my husband on my first job. He is one of the greatest storytellers I know. He would be the envy of every office party because he had an exciting and witty take on life (this was when we were young executives). His team, his colleagues and his boss adored him. Definitely impressed me!

As employees, we quickly realise that some organisations or departments in an organisation have work environments that are more conducive to laughter and joking around than others! Of course, there is always a time and a place for appreciation of good humour but there are always managers who are a good sport and have a very highly developed sense of wit themselves.

I find a tiny punch with a funny payoff, what you can very subtly communicate to everyone is that “Yes, what we are doing here is important work, but we are also humans, and I am willing to take time out of my day to put you at ease, and bring you joy. You matter to me. I want to connect with you. And I value the camaraderie we share. And by sharing laughter in this tiny moment, I am communicating my desire to further our bond.

Humour is, in my experience, the absolute most effective way one human being can connect with another on an emotional level in a professional setting.

But it can be risky because not everyone shares the same cultural mores. Not everyone has the same religious, political, or philosophical grounding, so sometimes a sense of humour can yield hurt to others and in a workplace setting that doesn’t turn out well for some!

So in a nutshell Benefits of Workplace Humour are:

Stress Reduction: Laughter is a powerful stress reliever. A good joke or lighthearted banter can help diffuse tense situations and create a more relaxed atmosphere.

Improved Communication: Humour can make communication more engaging and memorable. Using relatable jokes can help clarify complex ideas or highlight important points.

Team Building: Sharing a laugh strengthens bonds between colleagues. Team-building activities that incorporate humour foster a sense of camaraderie and cooperation.

Increased Productivity: A positive and enjoyable work environment can lead to increased productivity. Happy employees are often more engaged and motivated.

Enhanced Creativity: A lighthearted atmosphere can spark creative ideas and encourage risk-taking.

Important Considerations for Using Humour:

Context Matters: Understand your audience and the situation. A joke that’s appropriate in a casual team meeting might not be suitable during a critical presentation.

Respect Boundaries: Ensure your humour is inclusive and respectful of all colleagues. Avoid jokes that rely on stereotypes, sarcasm, or negativity.

Personal Preferences: Be mindful that not everyone finds the same things funny. Avoid jokes that could be offensive or upsetting to others.

Self-Awareness: Be mindful of your own humour style. What feels funny to you might not be universally accepted or understood.

Avoid Overdoing It: Maintain a balance. Humour should enhance communication, not overshadow it.

Have you seen how everyone starts laughing at jokes and remarks of senior people just to please them !!! It happens and you know it!

(This article first appeared on the WiP page on November 11th, 2024. I am the founder of WiP which is a cohort of like minded talented women who help each other grow in a fun filled, judgement free manner!)