Funny business: humor on the job: here's what you need to know to reduce stress and improve morale at work - strategies for success

Dave had a good job in an orange juice factory, but he got canned. He just couldn't concentrate.

OK, that may not be the funniest joke in the world, but humor on the job may be more important than you think. Believe it or not, laughter can bring people together, make them more creative, and even improve their health.

The Humor CHIP

According to Clyde Fahlman, a former executive who now teaches a college course on workplace humor, the importance of laughter can be summed up by the word C-H-I-P.

Making the CONNECTION--"Humor exists all around us," explains Fahlman. "Just read E-mails, look at bulletin boards, or listen carefully to what the boss has to say," he continues. One of his favorites is this advertisement:

Dog for Sale--Eats Anything--Loves Children

When workers can have fun with each other and share humor on the job, they come together in ways that improve the way they accomplish their work. They make a personal connection through laughter that improves the way they communicate and cooperate.

Michael Kerr, a speaker and humorist who used to serve in the Canadian government, explains it this way: "Humor can build rapport between workers and create a positive, relaxed atmosphere where people feel trusted." Trust can increase teamwork and productivity on the job, as well as make the office a much more pleasant place in which to work.

Rachel studied long and bard to become a doctor until she found that she just didn't have any patients.

HEALTH in Humor--"Laughter is the best medicine," states Kerr. "It reduces tension, lowers blood pressure, and creates all sorts of other good stuff." Medical studies confirm that laughter can achieve blood pressure benefits, allow lungs to work more efficiently, and release a wide range of natural chemicals that relieve pain and improve physical functioning.

Fahlman says that one-fourth of all workers' health problems are due to stress. It's the biggest health risk for workers on the job. Many medical studies have shown that laughter reduces stress. Humor helps people realize that situations aren't really as serious as they thought in the first place.

"Americans consume 15 tons of aspirin and other pain killers every day," he explains. "Laughter might be a really good substitute."

Doug was hired to clear brush last summer, but be couldn't back it. Then they gave him the axe.

Finding INSPIRATION--Kerr speaks to professionals around the world to help them discover the positive benefits of humor at work. On a recent trip to Iran, Kerr worked with a group of engineers to build what he calls "the creativity spark."

Kerr creates the spark by letting groups have fun. Sometimes they act out silly stories or play games or even chase each other with water pistols. "Humor and creativity are alike in that they ask us to look at the world in different ways," he explains. "When we lower our inhibitions and take risks, we can develop truly exciting ideas and creative solutions to problems."

Maria was working her way through school to become a baker, but she ran out of dough.

Keeping it in PERSPECTIVE--Madeleine Kane is a lawyer who now makes her living speaking and writing about the importance of humor. Recently she lectured to students at Cornell University Law School about laughter and lawyers.

What could she possibly tell lawyers about laughter? "Many lawyers take themselves much too seriously, and they get themselves into trouble," she explains. "Ego gets in the way of doing a good job, Instead of thinking about what's best for the client, they take action to make themselves look brilliant."

Kane explains that humor, particularly the ability to laugh at yourself, has a way of reminding us that we're really not as important as we sometimes think.

Fahlman helps workers to keep their jobs in perspective by trying to find humor in the office. "Sometimes I ask them to make lists of things that don't work in the office and why it's good that they don't work," he explains. "For instance, the old dirty refrigerator that shuts off all the time might be very good for making penicillin." Fahlman continues, "I also like to ask them to imagine the most horrible things that could happen at work. Even the toughest workday doesn't seem so bad in comparison."

Jose thought he wanted to be a plumber, but in the end he found it too draining.

Practicing Safe Humor

Kerr warns that not all humor is helpful on the job, though. "Humor can also be a weapon," he explains. "After all, bullying and teasing are really just targeted humor."

Kerr strongly cautions against any type of humor that involves race, ethnicity, gender, religion, or sex. As a self-check, "Picture your grandmother in your audience," he advises, "and try to be respectful of differences between people."

When he speaks to professionals, Kerr invites them to practice what he calls safe humor. "Safe humor is healthy and positive," he explains. "It brings people together and, above all, it's not harmful to anyone."

Alexa really wanted to be a hairstylist, but she couldn't cut it.

Tricks to Get Started

It's not always easy to create laughter in a workplace that's full of stress and tension, but there are a few surefire tricks to jump-start the laughter.

Fahlman advises people to throw little parties that celebrate simple events in life. Safety milestones, sales goals, attendance records, or just the fact that it's Friday are all good reasons for a party. "Celebrate silly little things at work," he recommends. Even the crabbiest boss in the world won't mind if it improves quality and quantity. Fahlman adds, "Besides, a cake or a half gallon of ice cream is pretty cheap when you consider the potential benefits."

Whoever heard of a humor first-aid kit? Kerr says that everyone should have one on the job. "Fill your first-aid kit with goofy props that are sure to make you laugh," he explains. Fake noses, squirting flowers, funny cartoons, and weird plastic superheroes are all good items for your own personal kit.

"The idea is to remind yourself to laugh," Kerr says. "When you're confronted with a stressful situation, surround yourself with things that you find funny, and remember to laugh."

Rick couldn't make it as a shoe salesperson. You see, he just didn't fit in.

Lighten Up

In the end, the best advice is to remember not to take yourself too seriously.

"Always laugh at yourself first," says Kerr. "The key is to take yourself less seriously, but take your career more seriously."

Fahlman agrees. "Laugh at yourself. Make a mistake. Laugh it off. Move on." He adds, "We need people at all levels who can think creatively. The ability to laugh and have fun means that you can look at things differently."

Try to make laughter a regular part of your work or school day. It's more than just funny business. It's good for everyone.

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