The Impact of Humor in the Workplace
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, humor has been defined as “the mental
faculty of discovering, expressing or appreciating something that is comical, amusing, or
absurdly incongruous”. Humor has also been described as a “sense,” as in the term,
“sense of humor.” As with any sense, however—such as taste or smell—individuals may
have differing levels of receptivity.
Randy Garner, Sam Houston State University, 2004.
Laughter makes life lighter. But somehow in the workplace, clowning is often rewarded
with a frown. How can you get the work done when you're having fun? The office
buffoon may be overlooked when promotion time comes because laughter is considered a
time-waster. "Recent research suggests that the employee who can laugh in the face of
hectic and stressful situations is a healthier employee, and a more productive employee in
the long run," says Randall Osborne, professor of psychology at Indiana University East.
From “The Workplace” by Susan Voelkel
A boosted immune system translates into a healthier work force, meaning less sick days
away from work. Lower blood pressure, combined with the release of endorphins, means
a more relaxed person. And a more relaxed person has higher productivity, is more
efficient, more accurate, has higher energy and works with greater purpose. Compare this
to a work environment filled with stress. To paraphrase Boris Karloff's Frankenstein,
"Stress-bad, Laughter-good!"
From “Humor In The Workplace” by Brian and Kelly Craft
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse professor Stu Robertshaw, also known as 'Dr.
Humor,' noted that one corporate study showed that after a trial period during which
humor was incorporated into the workplace in a variety of ways—including everything
from a special humor bulletin board to silly hat days—the company experienced a 21
percent decrease in staff turnover and a 38 percent decrease in Friday absenteeism.