We have all been there at a certain point in our lives, maybe stuck at a monotonous meeting, a gruelling deadline on the way or a dull boring day at work and what we need is a good hearty laugh. Laughter in the workplace can be useful and have a positive impact focusing on team building, relaxation, happiness and better productivity of work. It’s a smart decision to use some humour in people’s working day and a couple of words with a hint of humour are perfect for this. Here, are some of the ways that will help bring humour to the workplace while staying on the right side of the law.
Unpacking the Tangibles of Why Humour Works at Workplace
Therefore it can be said that organizational humour is not just some jovial fun making – it has a function. When employees find humour at the workplace, they are proving to be happier with work assigned to them and likewise with their co-workers. Laughter eliminates tension and even makes the work environment more friendly so as to enhance the flow of communication.
How to use Humour Appropriately at Work.
Though, it is necessary to ensure that humour is profession related, and not affiliated to anyone’s personal beliefs. It is also important always to avoid issues that can easily trigger an emotional response including those that are ethnic, political, social or religious in nature. Rather, use jokes that anybody will find hilarious and blush indicating they are simple, innocent jokes. It is never appropriate to make jokes related to somebody’s identity or position and all jokes should not be at the cost of some people.
Here are a few Tips on using Humour Effectively
– Timing is key: It’s good to crack jokes during certain moments, for instance, in a meeting or while reviewing a team, but refrain from cracking jokes while in a tense session.
– Stay light: It’s easy to make distasteful jokes, but it is better to include only those jokes that are good for a pun, dad joke or a funny observation.
– Know your audience: It means that something you’d find hilarious might elicit a completely different reaction from another person. Check the ever-shifting dynamics of the group.
Examples of Work-Appropriate Jokes
If you’re looking for jokes that won’t raise eyebrows, here are a few safe, funny options that are sure to get a chuckle: If you’re looking for jokes that won’t raise eyebrows, here are a few safe, funny options that are sure to get a chuckle:
– “Why don’t skeletons fight each other? They don’t have the guts.”
– “Why don’t scientists trust atoms? Because they make up everything.”
– “I told my boss three companies were after me. I needed a raise to stay at my job. He asked who, and I replied, ‘The gas, electric, and water company.’”
These are kinds of jokes which do not come close to offending anyone and will definitely make people smile without feeling like they are being pressured into it.
Where there is an Appropriate Opportunity, Bring Comedy into Small Talk
Do not wait for that punchline moment to come about- you do not have to wait until that moment. Using humour is the best way to incorporate it into your daily conversations so that you don’t appear morose all the time. For instance, while analysing one large report you like, and you can’t seem to get through it all, you might make a comment like, ‘Well, this report is longer than my Netflix watchlist!’ In this way, things can get injected with fun without becoming disruptive.
Wrapping It Up
There are few things in life which cannot be complemented with humour as it is one of the best ways to foster enjoyment and productivity in the workplace. Used appropriately, workplace humour can reduce stress and strengthen relationships around the workplace and they can make you more receptive to others. Thus, the next time your office is in need of some brightening up do not shy off from cracking a joke to lighten the mood.
Humour is one of the best tools that can help to start the discussion, so let’s spread the happiness!
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