Workplaces are often associated with stress, deadlines, and serious faces. It’s a common belief that humor doesn’t have a place in the corporate world. However, research suggests otherwise. Incorporating humor into the workplace can have long-lasting benefits not just physically, but professionally as well.
The benefits of incorporating humor into the workplace
Humor has several physical benefits as well. Laughter is known to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and boost the immune system. When employees incorporate humor into their daily routines, it can turn a mundane workday into a more enjoyable and relaxed environment. Laughing can also improve work performance by increasing creativity and problem-solving skills. Companies that embrace humor in the workplace tend to see higher levels of job satisfaction and lower turnover rates.
Importance of Laughter in Building Camaraderie and Improving Productivity
Laughter has the power to bring people together. Research suggests that people who laugh together tend to like each other more. In the workplace, facilitated laughter between employees can not only make them happier, but also build camaraderie, help them work better together and ultimately, improve collective productivity. When employees feel connected with each other, they tend to work cohesively towards a common goal. Teams that share a sense of humor will not only be more productive, but will also achieve better results.
Guidelines for Corporate Humor and Designated Communication Person
While it’s important to understand the benefits of humor in the workplace, it’s equally important to ensure that humor is inclusive and appropriate. To avoid offending anyone, companies should have a trusted, designated person to speak on behalf of the group and call out specific topics they want to avoid. Establishing guidelines for corporate humor can help ensure that everyone feels comfortable and included.
Common Corporate Comedy No-Nos
According to our findings, the most common corporate comedy mistakes are jokes that are sexual, racial, political, or religious, and anything that excludes some people from the experience. By avoiding these topics, companies can create a safe and comfortable environment for all employees.
Fun game suggestion: Two Truths and a Lie
It’s important to incorporate fun activities to break up the monotony of the workday. One game suggestion is “Two Lies and a Truth” — it’s a lot more fun than “Two Truths and a Lie”! This game allows employees to learn more about one another in a fun and humorous way.
Making Humor Relatable for All Team Members
Sharing a laugh about the terms you hear repeatedly on a daily basis can keep the humor corporate-friendly and relatable for all team members. Employees tend to bond over small things such as the office printer running out of toner or the boss’s repetitive catchphrases.
Implementing Regular Laugh Breaks
Work can get monotonous, and sometimes a quick break is all employees need to recharge. Implementing daily or weekly laugh breaks can help improve employee morale and productivity. These breaks can include anything from a simple joke or a funny video to a game of office bingo.
Prioritizing Annual Off-Sites That Incorporate Humor
Workplaces tend to prioritize annual off-sites that may incorporate humor. These off-sites can be a great way to strengthen teamwork, bond with colleagues, and learn new skills through games and activities. Incorporating humor in these events can make them more enjoyable and memorable.
Laughter is an excellent tool for boosting morale and building company culture. It has several physical and professional benefits, including reduced stress, increased creativity, better performance, and improved camaraderie. To ensure that humor is appropriate and inclusive, companies should establish guidelines and assign a designated communication person. Implementing regular laugh breaks and prioritizing annual off-sites that incorporate humor can improve employee morale and productivity. By embracing humor in the workplace, companies can create a more positive and enjoyable environment for all employees, leading to greater success and job satisfaction.
