Why We Need to Bring Humour Back to The Workplace

John Updike famously said, "Humour is my default mode." This is something I completely relate to. 

Why So Serious?

However, humor like other forms of creative expression is usually best when it's on the edge and outside the norm. Which can be particularly challenging these days as we all find ourselves balancing in an increasingly sensitive society. Funny can be particularly difficult in the workplace, and it should never be used as a weapon to intimidate or belittle co-workers or staff. The current climate can make ‘funny’ hard to do.

However, nothing worthwhile was ever easy - so I think we all need to try a little harder, because humour can be a powerful competitive advantage.

Need Some Proof?

A Robert Half International survey, found that 91% of executives believe a sense of humor is important for career advancement; while 84% feel that people with a good sense of humor do a better job. Another study by Bell Leadership Institute found that the two most desirable traits in leaders were a strong work ethic and a good sense of humor. https://www.forbes.com/sites/jacquelynsmith/2013/05/03/10-reasons-why-humor-is-a-key-to-success-at-work/#690a3d235c90

Humour has been shown in multiple studies to increase collaboration, provide motivation, prevent burnout and create a more loyal and productive workforce. https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2019/01/humour-in-the-workplace-wellbeing/

My Big Call-to-Action

We all need to ‘lighten-up’ a little bit and not take ourselves so seriously. It’s ok to laugh at ourselves and to be ‘a little silly’ as long as it isn’t hurting anyone. Leo Rosten said: "Humour is the affectionate communication of insight."

I agree, I believe ‘silly’ is often a powerful way to find new perspectives and insights. In-fact, writing a good joke is a lot like finding a good insight, it requires looking at things a little differently. When used properly, a sense of humour can be a powerful motivator. Richard Branson once said: “If you are a small company taking on a big company, you need to have a sense of humor.” That's directly from the rebel billionaire himself!

For those of you who are still skeptical that humour is worth the risk and that silly and insightful are truly related, I will remind you that Maya Angelou said: “ I don’t trust anyone who doesn’t laugh." I hear ya Maya, and ditto.

To check out my latest article click here