The Benefits of Laughter in the Workplace
Humor is often seen as a valuable asset in the workplace. A good sense of humor can help defuse tense situations, build rapport with co-workers, and produce creative solutions to problems. Laughter also has some well-documented physical and psychological benefits.
A study by psychologists at the University of California, Irvine found that laughter increased employees’ ability to think creatively and come up with new ideas. The study’s authors suggest that laughter may trigger what they call “cognitive flexibility,” which refers to the ability to think outside the box and come up with new perspectives.
Laughter has also been shown to boost productivity and morale in the workplace. A 2012 study found that workers who took a 10-minute break to watch a funny video were 9% more productive afterward than those who didn’t watch the video. And a 2013 survey of 2,000 office workers found that nearly half of respondents said laughter made them feel more positive about their jobs.
So if you’re looking to increase creativity, productivity, and morale at work, tries incorporating some laughter into your day.
Here are 12 ideas to get you started:
1. Share a funny article or meme with co-workers:
With the advent of social media, there’s no shortage of funny content to share with co-workers. A quick browse of sites like Facebook, Twitter, or Buzz Feed will likely yield some laughs.
2. Tell a joke:
If you’ve got a good sense of humor, try telling a joke or two to lighten the mood at work. Just be sure to keep it clean and appropriate for your workplace.
3. Play a practical joke:
If you’re looking to add some levity to your workplace, try playing a harmless prank on a co-worker. But be careful not to take it too far — you don’t want to end up being the butt of the joke!
4. Watch a funny video:
There are plenty of funny videos online, ranging from TV clips to stand-up comedy routines. A quick search on YouTube or another video-sharing site should do the trick.
5. Listen to a comedy podcast:
Podcasts are a great way to get a dose of humor while you’re at work. There are plenty of comedy podcasts available for free online, so you’re sure to find one that tickles your funny bone.
6. Read a humorous book:
If you need a good laugh, try reading a funny book. Whether it’s a novel, a collection of essays, or even just a joke book, odds are you’ll find something that will make you chuckle.
7. Go see a comedian:
Check out your local comedy club or see if there’s a touring comedian coming to town. Seeing a live stand-up act is a great way to get a good laugh.
8. Play a funny game:
Whether it’s an online game, a board game, or even just a silly office game, playing something that’s lighthearted and fun can help inject some laughter into your day.
9. Have a contest:
Who doesn’t love good competition? Having a contest at work — whether it’s for the best Halloween costume or the most creative prank — can add some fun and laughter to your day.
10. Make someone laugh:
One of the best ways to get laughter going is to be the one who starts it. So if you’re feeling funny, try making someone else laugh. Chances are, they’ll be more than happy to return the favor.
11. Laugh at yourself:
One of the best ways to get people laughing is to laugh at you. If you can take a joke and laugh at your own expense, odds are others will find you more likable — and funnier.
12. Be positive:
It’s hard to laugh when you’re feeling down in the dumps. But if you can focus on the positive and find humor in everyday situations, laughter will come more easily.
Conclusion:
Laughter is a great way to boost creativity, productivity, and morale in the workplace. If you’re looking to add more laughter to your day, try incorporating some of the ideas above into your routine. From sharing funny content with co-workers to playing practical jokes, there are plenty of ways to add some levity to your workday. So why not give it a try? You just might find that laughter really is the best medicine.