Laughter in the workplace: Is it worth the risk?

Humor holds a special place in my heart — it helped me nurture my creativity, create meaningful relationships, and has become a core pillar of my definition of happiness. Yet, why is humor in the workplace as rare as desert water? And can we sprinkle more cheer into our professional lives?

We tend to laugh less as adults, especially in the workplace

Why did the scarecrow get promoted? Because it was outstanding in its field!

“Is it just me, or did I use to laugh more when I was younger?” This question may strike a chord with many adults. Research published in Psychology Today reveals that babies laugh approximately 300 times a day, teenagers around 100 times, and adults a mere 20 times a day.

Growing up and going to work also seems to suck the laughter out of our lives. A study by Dr. Robert Provine, a psychologist at the University of Maryland, recorded that adults laugh significantly less during the workweek than on weekends. In his research, Dr. Provine found that the average adult laughs only 15 times on a typical workday compared to around 40 times on weekends, turning Monday through Friday into a frown for many.

The laughter deficit becomes even starker for overachievers in industries like management consulting, investment banking, accounting, private equity, and law, who might spend up to 60% of their weekdays at work.

By not laughing, what are we missing out on?

The past, present, and future walked into a bar. It was tense.

What I miss the most are the “laugh sessions” with friends. These sessions proved to be extremely therapeutic, grounded in science as a powerful remedy for daily stress and to help people manage anxiety and depression.

Studies underscore the multifaceted benefits of laughter on physical and mental health, reinforcing its importance in daily life and work environments. Dr. Lee Berk from Loma Linda University emphasizes laughter’s ability to reduce stress hormones and boost immunity. Dr. William Fry of Stanford University focuses on the cardiovascular benefits of laughter, likening its effects to exercise. Numerous other studies highlight laughter’s role in social bonding and mental well-being.

So, why are we not embracing humor more in the workplace?

I used to be a banker, but then I lost interest.

If laughing is so beneficial, why are we not engaging in it more frequently at work? That’s because humor can often be tricky in the professional world. Here are a few reasons why:

• Some industries have more formal cultures: Humor might be viewed as unprofessional in some industries, organizations, or corporate environments. For example, sarcasm might be welcome in a laid-back tech startup but may be perceived as unprofessional in more traditional and conservative work environments.
• Impact on professional image: Overreliance on humor or specific types of jokes may alter colleagues’ or clients’ perceptions of an individual’s professionalism or seriousness. This might be detrimental when credibility and authority are paramount, such as client meetings or negotiations.
• Risk of offending others or misinterpretation of intent: Humor can sometimes backfire since it is highly subjective. Moreover, humor is often subtle and can be misconstrued, relying on nuance, tone, and context. What one person finds funny at the moment, another might find offensive or inappropriate.
• It’s an office, not a comedy club: While humor can foster a positive and engaging workplace, it can lead to unnecessary distractions if not moderated. Excessive joking and laughter may decrease focus and productivity, particularly if it interrupts workflow or meaningful discussion.

Everyone secretly loves a good laugh

Have you heard about the restaurant on the moon? Great food, but no atmosphere.

A recent survey with over twenty thousand respondents in the corporate and professional services industries indicated that humor is unanimously appreciated at work. Around 93% of respondents have indicated that humor is either ‘absolutely necessary’ or ‘good in moderation’ in the workplace.

The appetite for workplace humor is evident across all corporate jobs and has helped fuel a cult-like fanbase in workplace comedy, such as comics, comedy shows, television series, and meme channels, resonating with both younger and older audiences alike. These include the popular television show ‘The Office’ and the comic strip ‘Dilbert’, which amassed a cult-like fanbase.

As a teenager, I remember reading Dilbert comics in the newspaper and thinking, “How is this funny? It doesn’t even make sense,” only to understand their meaning as an adult and really cherish the comic relief they bring to our overly serious world.

Whether it’s witty jargon that makes our ears bleed, clichés too hard to ignore, or the occasional crunch-time misery best tackled with a glass-half-full attitude, there is plenty to chuckle about and help alleviate the stress we encounter in our daily work lives.

Laughing is a risk worth taking

Why do arsons always prefer spicy food? Because they love playing with fire!

Convinced of the benefits of humor at work? If so, make sure to read the few points below first before cracking your favorite ‘yo mama joke’ in the next townhall meeting:

• Read the room: Knowing when to say a joke or witty comment is vital. Whether to lighten the mood after meeting a tight deadline or to navigate serious issues with colleagues, timing, and audience are everything. Understanding your audience’s sensitivities ensures that your humor brings smiles, not frowns.
• Adapt your style of humor to the situation: Everyone has a funny bone, but tickling it often requires different feathers. Assessing the situation and being mindful of the subject matter helps in using humor in an appropriate and effective manner. The difference between witty humor and offensive jokes can be thin and can depend on various factors, such as age, cultural background, life experiences, and mood. Tailoring your humor to the audience is a delicate art worth mastering.
• Promote constructive, positive humor: Encourage a form of humor that builds relationships and enhances collaboration rather than ridicule that might belittle or exclude others. Positive humor that highlights shared experiences or gently pokes fun at common challenges can foster a more cohesive and supportive work environment.
• Avoid sensitive topics: Steering clear of sensitive or controversial topics such as politics, religion, or personal matters is generally wise. These subjects can lead to heated discussions or discomfort, and jokes in these areas are more likely to be misinterpreted.
• Don’t be the office clown: While humor can enhance social interactions and lighten the mood, overdoing it or resorting to inappropriate jokes can diminish your professionalism and credibility. Striking the right balance ensures that your wit contributes positively without overshadowing your competence or alienating others.

I cannot go a day without laughing. It keeps me alive, young, free, and creative. With a smile, I tackle my greatest obstacles in the professional space and really believe that “Laughter is the best medicine.” I’d like to end with this piece of advice: Whenever sharing a joke in the office, make sure that it’s funny but not funny enough that HR asks you to repeat it.