“Against the assault of laughter, nothing can stand.” ~ Mark Twain

Have you ever noticed how difficult it is to spend a lot of time around someone that doesn’t have a sense of humour? It feels like there is a certain amount of tension there and you likely have the urge to get out of this person’s company as soon as possible.

The same thing holds true for a humourless workplace. Not only is it a place that we don’t want to be in, it is not the most productive environment. There are widely held beliefs that humour not only makes a work environment a healthier, happier place to work but also a more productive one.

Recognizing the importance of humour to a healthy, productive workplace, many organizations are keeping people like Michael Kerr, humorist, speaker and author busy travelling around the globe making people laugh.

Here are 7 reasons that humour at work could have you laughing all the way to the bank.

It’s a Great Stress Buster

Humour is a great antidote to an excessive stress build up. There is nothing like a good laugh to help us relax and see the lighter side of things. Not only does humour increase our own stress it is contagious and in spreading helps others release their stress. Workplaces in which humour is encouraged are more relaxed places that those try to take on a more serious tone.

Motivates and Builds Morale

One of the best and most effective ways to build up a positive, motivational atmosphere in the workplace is to encourage the use of humour. It is so much easier to show up to work when you know there will be fun and laughter than to go into a somber, dull, serious place. Laughter goes a long way towards our motivation to give our best for the organization.

Builds Stronger Relationships

It is much easier to approach someone who has a strong sense of humour and we have shared a laugh with. We feel more relaxed and confident around that person. The fear of making a mistake and being judged diminishes and we feel more open and willing to share. When we have a workplace full of people who are comfortable with one another decision making becomes easier and less stressful.

A Great Way of Showing Appreciation

In humourless workplaces, even showing appreciation can be a stressful event. A great way of showing appreciation to someone is to add humour to the situation. This is why “roasts” are a popular way to give someone a sendoff or to honour then. Some people have a difficult time showing emotions and affection, therefore humour becomes a way that they can show someone how deeply that person has impacted them.

Builds Stronger Teams

In order to build strong teams we need to break down barriers that make people suspicious and fearful of one another. Humour gives us insight into another person and acts as a lubricant to break down barriers. When people don’t know one another humour is a relatively easy and effective way to share and build up strong lasting bonds between people. Any team that is able to share a good laugh together is one that is well on the way to developing a strong, positive working relationship.

Good for Our Health

Laughter is the best medicine is more than just a cute saying. There are have been studies showing that people who have a strong sense of humour experience less illness and recover quicker when they become ill. Laughter reduces serum cortical, a hormone released when experiencing stress and triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s feel good chemicals. A good bout of laughter can release tension and leaving muscles relaxed for quite some time afterwards. It also increases blood flow, decreasing chances of having heart and other cardiovascular problems.

Helps Make Smoother Changes and Transitions

Change and transition naturally evoke feelings of uncertainly and discomfort. It means stepping out of our comfort zone, which means experiencing a certain amount of anxiety. Humour helps to lubricate and make those changes easier as it takes our mind off of the ifs and focusing on the worst case scenarios. It helps us connect with colleagues and forms a bond and buffer that eases some of uncertainly and fears of moving forward. It helps us rise above our worries and makes us see a lighter, brighter side.

About the Author: Harvey DEUTSCHENDORF is one of Your Monthly Mentors, an emotional intelligence expert, internationally published author and speaker. His book, The Other Kind of Smart, Simple Ways to Boost Your Emotional Intelligence for Greater Personal Effectiveness and Success, has been published in 4 languages. Harvey writes for Fast Company and has a monthly column with HRProfessionals Magazine. Read More…

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