Three Reasons Why You Should Be Funny At Work

Calling all stand-up comedians and people with bad dad jokes, it’s time to change the culture of your workplace! Each day we strive to increase profits and solve problems, so laughter may seem untimely. But levity can help us reach those critical goals faster. The moment we understand the power behind what makes our co-workers smile and the methods needed to lighten a room, work can feel more enjoyable. Read on to learn the benefits of cracking jokes with your team regularly.

Laughing and the release of “happy” brain chemicals go hand in hand. Every time we laugh, the brain reduces the amount of cortisol, also known as the stress hormone, and produces more endorphins and oxytocin. Often referred to as the love hormone, oxytocin promotes trust, empathy and bonding, and it's essential to maintaining healthy relationships. In response to stress or discomfort, endorphins can become the body's natural pain reliever, which is why we can benefit from these natural mood-enhancers when we face uncomfortable situations.

Lightening up the mood creates a sense of closeness and trust that will motivate people to be more open and present. It even turns out to be a great managerial tool. A study by Gallup revealed that one of the motivators behind team performance is having a best friend at work. People tend to be more engaged when they have a buddy around.

Humor doesn’t necessarily have to be a joke. It can also include wordplay and puns that can potentially ignite new ideas. Besides witnessing your sense of humor, your team will also be able to see that you’re vulnerable and authentic, a side of you that they may not have seen before.

Making work humorous is possible, but we need to acknowledge that our colleagues are funny in their own way, so we must implement humor effectively. Most of us are concerned about our jokes flopping. But keep in mind that studies have proven that being funny at the workplace alleviates tension during high-level projects and promotes effective communication. If the joke is not offensive to anyone, people will appreciate any step toward levity. It’s our responsibility to bring the best out of our workplace and team performance while increasing the well-being of others in the process. It's time to take laughter more seriously.