While professionalism is key in the workplace, there is nothing wrong with a bit of humour to get you through the day. According to scientific studies, laughter can provide a whole host of benefits for employees and employers alike – from relieving tension and boredom, increasing engagement and even spurring on creativity. As you spend a large proportion of your life at work, it needs to be somewhere you enjoy being and if this is not the case, you’re likely in the wrong job entirely.
In this guide, we’re going to look at some of the key benefits of humour in the workplace, and why you should be using it:
Builds morale
There’s nothing worse than dreading going in to work every day knowing that you’re going to be bored and unmotivated. However, using light humour can change the atmosphere of the workplace and create a more positive environment. After all, you’re likely to work better when you’re happier, so don’t be afraid to have fun (within reason) and boost the mood of your colleagues.
Improves health
You may have heard that ‘laughter is the best medicine’ and for very good reason. According to specialists, laugher can provide several health benefits including improving the condition of the heart and lungs and even releasing endorphins in the brain which can reduce pain and even make you feel much more contented.
People will enjoy working with you
Everyone has the ambition to be liked – and there’s no doubt that cracking jokes and having a good sense of humour will rub off on those around you. People want to work with individuals they get on with, so having a light-hearted and good-spirited character is a great way to win friends and influence people. After all, being funny (without crossing the line) means you can’t insult anyone, which makes you someone that everyone wants to be around.
Displaying a sense of humour during job interviews will also stand you in good stead, as it shows you’re a positive character and pleasant to work with, which are extremely attractive traits in any potential candidate, as long as you keep it professional still.
A stress-buster
Depending on the nature of your job, you may be stressed a great deal of the time which can impact both your mood and physical health. However, there is scientific proof that shows that laughter can in fact be a major stress-buster. When you laugh, it elevates your oxygen intake which stimulates organs in the body, relaxes tense, muscles and releases feel-good endorphins in the brain.
It helps build trust
You can build trust with others through the effective use of humour. While at work, we often hide under a professional mask that can make us appear less human and unapproachable. However, there have been studies that show that humour can give the impression of being a much more trustworthy individual as it breaks down barriers and helps build relationships at work.
So, release your inner joker, (but not the inner clown) while at work and notice how it will significantly change the environment for the better!
