By Sangeeta Das
Humor creates an atmosphere of levity and a sense of perspective that can dissolve tension and, in turn, protect us from stress at work and even benefit our health.
Research suggests that people who engage in more conversational humor with colleagues feel happier and have higher job satisfaction. According to Paul Osincup (Humor Strategist), “Humor is the new mindfulness.” You can actually train your brain to see and experience humor more often. Humor creates a chemical reaction in the brain that can elevate one’s mood. The research proves that happier employees are more productive. When you find something funny, your brain is, as Osincup says, “Flooded with a dose of happiness.” And dose is an acronym, as in D.O.S.E.
- D is for Dopamine.
- O is for Oxytocin.
- S is for Serotonin.
- E is for Endorphins.
We don’t have to be naturally funny to become good at using humor. Osincup says, “Humor is not a talent. Humor is a habit.” And he suggests the first step is to self-train your brain toward a funny focus.
Today’s workplace is very different from the one a decade or two ago. People are friendlier and more informal, which is great news for great culture.
As one of the top schools in Gurgaon, at Vega, we promote a happy culture to nurture happy children. Incorporating a sense of humor in the school culture also helps children (and teachers) to see the lighter side of life, learn to laugh at themselves, and stay cheerful when faced with difficult times. It helps them cope with stressful situations and develop empathy for other people.
Humor can have a positive impact on the work environment. It reduces stress and improves team collaboration, communication, and trust. It also increases productivity, generates ideas, and brings people closer together. Having fun at office events is an excellent way to bring humor to the workplace and create a sense of camaraderie. And when team members are closer and more bonded, it’s easier to collaborate and come up with new ideas. To sum up, some of the immediate benefits of using humor at work include:
- A lighter mood
- Reduced stress
- Faster interpersonal bonding
- A greater sense of belonging at work
- Better perceived leader performance
- Overall workplace cohesion
- Improved mental health
- Closer relationships
- Reduced inhibitions
- More happily resolved disagreements
However, it’s important to remember that humor should always be appropriate and respectful, and never used to offend or belittle others.
Overall, incorporating humor into the work environment can have many positive effects on the staff and the overall workplace culture.