Humour & Laughter in the Workplace

When you encourage humour and laughter in the workplace it can lead to numerous benefits. It can improve both individual and team performance, along with being an invaluable tool for enhancing the morale and collaboration of employees.

For many people work can be overwhelming and stressful; humour serves as a powerful stress reliever and ice breaker. Having a good laugh can provide a much-needed break from work related tension and stress. Reduced stress levels result in increased productivity and engagement.

It is estimated that the cost of mental ill health and suicide to the Australian economy is approximately $43–70 billion each year.

https://www.pc.gov.au/inquiries/completed/mental-health/report

Early intervention featured amongst the Productivity Commission’s key recommendations. In other words, keeping the population mentally healthy in the first place.  

The use of humour among work colleagues fosters stronger relationships. Shared laughter creates bonds and enhances camaraderie, which is vital for effective teamwork. When employees feel connected, they are more likely to collaborate, leading to improved outcomes and a cohesive work environment.

Leaders who utilize and encourage the ‘appropriate use’ of humour appear more approachable, fostering stronger connections with their teams. This can lead to increased trust and loyalty, which are fundamental to a successful employer-employee relationship.

However, it’s crucial to be mindful of the type of humour used. When used thoughtfully, it can bridge differences and create a sense of belonging among diverse teams. Humour is so much more than just a way to lighten the mood; it’s an extremely powerful tool that enhances workplace culture, improves relationships, and boosts productivity.

We understand that every workplace is different, what works for one might not work for another. Hear are 5 practical suggestions of ways to bring humour into your workplace:

Start Meetings with a light-hearted approach.
This sets a positive tone and breaks the ice, helping everyone feel more relaxed. Possibly even share a workplace related joke.

Host a Comedy Break.
Organise regular comedy breaks, where employees can share their favourite funny videos or stand-up clips. This can be a refreshing way to recharge during the workday.  NOTE: Be mindful though, that not everyone may share your sense of humour. We all know who the people are that we share a similar sense of humour with and those who we don’t. Remember, it’s about connection, not division.

A Weekly Themed Day.
Organise themed days, such as “Fun Shirt Friday”; “Wild Wednesday”; “Throwback Thursday” or make up your own. This encourages creativity and fun. As a bonus, offer a prize or small trophy that gets handed down from week to week. If your employees are in contact with the public this also shows your customers that your workplace is fun and creative.  

Attend a Comedy Club.
Organising a night out to a comedy club for everyone is a great way to bring people together in a social environment. Additionally, the conversations shared at work about recalling the comedians’ routines is always fun.

Organise an in-house Stand-Up Comedy Workshop.
If you’ve ever told a joke and experienced the joy of making someone laugh, there’s nothing like it. As much as laughing is good for you, if you’re the one creating that laughter you actually get a bigger psychological hit out of it. Participating in a comedy workshop is an excellent way of building confidence and enhancing the connectedness of your team. All while having a great time making each other laugh. Contact us for more info on how we can help you make this happen.

Look after yourself dear reader and look after those around you.

Mark McConville