Myths about humor in the workplace
ThereÕs no place that needs humor more than the workplace. But weÕre
often caught in a dilemma that signifies the paradox of humor in the
office or plant. We value humor, but work is no joke.
Here are some myths that need to be dispelled about using humor in the
workplace.
1. People wonÕt take me seriously. While itÕs important that we take
our work seriously, itÕs equally important that we donÕt take ourselves
too seriously. Humor helps keep your head clear when you face difficult
decisions or complex problems. You donÕt have to be solemn to be serious
about your work.
2. Humor isnÕt important to the bottom line. We should take humor seriously
for a number of reasons:
- Laughter is the best medicine. Health costs are among the biggest expenses for companies. The adage that laughter is the best medicine has ample proof. Humor can have a positive impact on individual, as well as corporate, health.
- Humor relieves stress and burnout. The cost of stress to the economy is $200 billion annually, according to a PresidentÕs Science Advisory report. Humor is one of the most powerful antidotes to stress and key coping mechanism that helps add years to lives.
- Humor builds positive working relationships and improves morale. In this day of teamwork, thereÕs no better way to build effective relationships and open up communication than with humor. ThereÕs also a link between humor and creativity. Humor can increase the amount of honest feedback you get and the capacity for people to share good things, according to Ken Blanchard, author of The One-Minute Manager.
- You have to tell jokes to be funny. Telling a joke isnÕt the only way to be funny. Find other creative ways, like telling a humorous anecdote about yourself, to tickle othersÕ funny bones.
How to inject humor at work
The value of laughter in the workplace is no joke. So, loosen up and
donÕt take yourself too seriously. There are hundreds of ways to inject
humor in the workplace. Here are some for starters.
- Humor in the physical environment. Hang a funny poster in your cubicle or work space. There are hundreds of gizmos that can give you and your coworkers a lift.
- Personal blunders. Everyone has something funny that has happened to them. If youÕre not necessarily a good joke teller, try telling a funny story about something that happened to you as it relates to a work situation.
- Humor as tool, not weapon. ThereÕs a big difference between laughing with others and laughing at someone. Humor should be appropriate, timely, and tasteful. Poke fun at a common dilemma, not at an individual.
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