Abstract:
Humour can play a key role in creating a positive and productive workplace. This article looks at how humour can boost team morale, creativity, and employee well-being. Drawing on both classical views and modern research, the article highlights how humour helps ease stress, strengthen relationships, and make work more enjoyable. However, it’s important to balance humour with professionalism to avoid crossing into disrespect or insensitivity. When used well, humour fosters trust and collaboration, leading to a more engaged, happy, and productive workplace. 

Seriously, What’s so Funny?
One of the best memories of childhood days for most of us would be eagerly turning to the “Laughter: The Best Medicine,” “All in a Day’s Work,” and “Humour in Uniform” pages in the Reader’s Digest. Staying true to its historic vision: ‘to bring out the good in people and families everywhere’, the Reader’s Digest has been a treasure trove of laughter and light-hearted entertainment for more than 100 years.

The delightful mix of anecdotes and wit has stood the test of time, bringing readers a refreshing dose of humour, making them a beloved feature of the magazine for generations. Their longevity is a testament to the timeless value of humour, reminding us that, no matter how much the world around us changes, a well-timed laugh is always in style. These stories, shared for decades, prove that humour is not only universal but essential – both in life and work.

I instantly recalled the Reader’s Digest when I read about the theme for the HR Vista i.e., “Workplace Culture of Playfulness: Creating an environment of humour and positivity”. Though “workplace humour” might initially sound like an oxymoron, it’s far from contradictory. In fact, humour in the workplace can boost productivity, lift morale, and strengthen team dynamics. The notion that work must always be serious and devoid of humour is an outdated one.

But what exactly is Humour?
Simply put, humour is a form of communication in which the stimulus produces amusement. Humour comes in various forms, including slapstick (physical comedy), deadpan (straight-faced delivery), satire (mocking human flaws), insult (jokes cracked at the expense of others), surreal (bizarre situations), wordplay (puns and clever language), self – depreciating (putting yourself down to evoke laughter), and dark humour (taboo topics).

Classical Greek philosophers had diverse views on humour. Plato saw laughter as potentially harmful, associating it with malice and a lack of self-control. He believed humour could undermine moral judgment. Aristotle, on the other hand, recognized the value of wit and saw humour as a social tool, though he acknowledged its potential for hostility. Socrates used humour in dialogues to provoke critical thinking and moral reflection, often employing irony to challenge his interlocutors. Others like Cicero, a Roman philosopher, viewed humour more favourably, seeing it as a gift from the gods and a powerful rhetorical tool. Sigmund Freud viewed humour as a release of repressed thoughts and desires, allowing socially unacceptable ideas to be expressed in a socially acceptable way.

Humour in the workplace
The positive view of humour, especially in the workplace, began to evolve significantly in the late 20th century. Researchers like Dr. Peter McGraw and Dr. Rod Martin explored humour’s psychological benefits, while organizations started recognizing its role in enhancing creativity and employee satisfaction. The trend gained momentum with books like “The Levity Effect” by Adrian Gostick and Scott Christopher, which highlighted humour’s impact on workplace culture and productivity. By “Levity” the authors meant “a sense of lightness.” It’s less about being ‘funny’ and more about being able to have fun and see the humorous side of everyday situations—especially difficult situations. This shift marked a departure from traditional views that often saw humour as unprofessional or distracting. Some examples of levity include: whether new employees are made to feel welcome, whether there are a lot of celebrations for special events, friends at work who make you laugh, or having colleagues who are good to work with.

The Harvard Business Review article, ‘Leading with Humour’ asserts that the workplace needs laughter. Quoting research from institutions such as Wharton, MIT, and London Business School, the article says that every laugh or chuckle comes with a range of business advantages. Laughter reduces stress and boredom, enhances engagement and well-being, and drives not only creativity and teamwork but also sharper analysis and increased productivity.

Balancing professionalism with fun in the workplace
It is now well accepted that incorporating humour into the workplace can uplift the team’s morale, add an element of fun to tasks, ease tensions during challenging times, and foster trust among colleagues. A witty remark or a light joke can also make leaders appear more approachable and relatable.

Research shows that humour or laughter triggers the production of feel-good chemicals in our bodies, inhibits the release of stress hormones, helps lower inflammation, and improves blood flow, while at the cerebral level, relieves boredom and stress and encourages creativity, collaboration, innovation and higher productivity.

While laughter may be the best medicine, like any medication, it is most effective when used appropriately.

Aristotle placed a person’s response to humour on a continuum of amusement. At the upper end of the amusement continuum, Aristotle identified a person who is a ‘buffoon,’ and at the lower end of the continuum he identified a person who is ‘boorish.’ The ideal, Aristotle suggested, is to find a balance between buffoonery and boorishness – an ideal middle state – which he described as the ‘Golden Mean’.

Being funny for no reason, crossing the line of professionalism, hurting others, making insensitive jokes, dark humour, jokes on sex, religion, physical or mental attributes of others, and out-of-context jokes are to be totally avoided at the workplace and even in any social or close-knit gatherings.

It, therefore, follows that using humour at the workplace is a tightrope balancing art, but one that can be learnt and practised to minimise stress and strengthen camaraderie at the workplace.

Starting meetings with humour or a simple heartfelt smile can ease tensions, make people feel comfortable, and create a more relaxed, productive atmosphere compared to a stern approach. As a business leader, authentic humour through personal anecdotes fosters trust, reduces fear, and enhances group dynamics during company meetings or events. Anthropologist Edward Hall powerfully summed up the impact of humour on leadership impact when he said, “If you can learn the humour of a people and really control it, you know that you are also in control of nearly everything else.”

To sum up, a workplace culture of playfulness, infused with humour and positivity, boosts morale, creativity, and team bonding. It reduces stress, encourages open communication, and fosters collaboration. By embracing light-hearted moments, leaders create a more engaging, supportive environment where employees feel valued, energized, and motivated to contribute their best work. While fostering playfulness, it’s crucial to avoid humour that crosses the line into disrespect, insensitivity, or unprofessionalism to maintain a positive and inclusive environment.

So, when was the last time you had a good laugh at work? If it was today, you are indeed living a good life…and if you can’t recall…it’s time to wake up and infuse your workdays with laughter, because a ‘Joyful You’ will make a thriving workplace!