5 Tips for Using Humor in the Workplace Without Crossing Boundaries

Given that we spend a third of our lives at work, shouldn't we all laugh more there if laughter is the best medicine? It's rare to find humor in the workplace these days, and many of us struggle with a condition known as chronic seriousness.

Humor can be helpful in the workplace when used appropriately, regardless of the causes of this pessimistic outlook—fear of being fired, embarrassment, a propensity for isolation, or new social norms regarding sensitivity and inclusivity.

Humor Advantages in the Workplace

Humor is good for more than just improving mood; it has many advantages for both the joke-teller and the listener. When we laugh, our bodies release a certain amount of happiness-inducing chemicals.

Endorphins reduce pain and tension, improve mood, and boost self-esteem. Dopamine boosts pleasure and satisfaction. Oxytocin promotes connection, empathy, and trust. Additionally, Serotonin regulates anxiety, happiness, and well-being.

If something as simple as laughter helps us feel happy and calm while enhancing our connections with others, we should take advantage of it even in the workplace. According to research, workplace stress has a substantial financial impact on the economy because it lowers productivity and raises healthcare costs—something that should not be underestimated. Laughter can address this issue.

Humor Advantages in the Workplace Includes

1. Increased productivity.
2. Strengthened social bonds.
3. Improved team performance and cohesion.
4. Reduced job burnout.
5. 5Increased job satisfaction and fewer complaints.
6. Decreased number of health-related absences.

Humor enhances promotions and new job offers opportunities. According to a study, having a sense of humor is crucial for career advancement, and humorous employees typically perform better than less humorous ones.

Tip: Cultivate Your Sense of Humor

Not everyone has a natural sense of humor. Therefore, you must cultivate your sense of humor before telling jokes at a company meeting. You are responsible for your happiness, and you can change your perspective to find more humor in life—even if your coworkers or boss are chronically serious.

Humor is a mindset that can be acquired by forming new habits. Read books, watch funny videos, and listen to podcasts. Consider the simple things you can do to use humor to boost productivity.

How to Use Humor in the Workplace?

Here are some tips for using humor in the workplace without crossing boundaries

1. Understand That Humor Is Personal

You might think some jokes are funny, but they are not appropriate for the workplace. It is crucial to have the professional awareness to know when a joke is inappropriate, even if it makes your coworkers smile and laugh.

2. Understand Company Culture

Understanding the company culture is critical, especially for new hires. It’s crucial to observe how things operate in the company and listen carefully to know what is normal and appropriate. This doesn’t mean you can’t be yourself; you can use your own style. However, consider the situation and the accepted standards before incorporating your unique sense of humor.

3. Talk About Humorous Situations That Involve Only You

Prioritize telling jokes about funny things that happen to you alone because they are simpler and safer. However, discussing humorous incidents involving others is neither appropriate nor safe. It's okay to tell people about funny things that happened to you today, but discuss anything that undermines your skills or experiences at work just to make your colleagues laugh.

4. Maintain Your Confidence and Don’t Seek Compliments

We can find humor in our problems and struggles, which brings people closer as long as we do it correctly. However, you may come across as seeking compliments if you're shy about your jokes and lack confidence in them. Eventually, people might feel uncomfortable when you keep telling these jokes. When done correctly, others will realize you’re joking, which increases rapport among people.

5. Practice Humor

There are countless ways to bring fun and humor into the workday. One way to add humor to meetings is to include quotes or images that make people laugh. Also, you could ask the group to respond with a funny word or phrase when the conversation veers off-topic. You can make your point with odd objects or tools.

Use apps with chat rooms, games, puzzles, and creative challenges in virtual meetings. Putting up a "Joke of the Day" calendar in a communal area or organizing a competition to name office supplies funnily are two ways to promote laughter in the workplace.

Using humor in routine presentations lightens the atmosphere. Seek out opportunities to add humor, particularly through anecdotes and personal experiences. You can incorporate humorous pictures and videos in your presentation. If people are laughing, it means they are enjoying the presentation.

Signs That You’ve Gone Too Far

Watch these indicators that suggest workplace humor might not be appropriate:

1. Using disclaimers like, "I’m not being sexist or anything like that, but…"
2. Looking around or closing the door before telling a joke.
3. People look like they want to hide, others try to change the topic quickly, or silence permeates the room.
4. Often saying things like, "Where's your sense of humor? It was just a joke", or "You’re so sensitive."

In Conclusion

Appropriate workplace humor improves employees' workdays and well-being in general. It's critical to acknowledge humor as a potent tool for improving mental health and mindfulness, much like breathing techniques, physical activity, and meditation, since it offers us a variety of advantages and allows us to see things from a different perspective.