Here’s why humour can be seriously good for your career.
In recent years, workplace stress has reached a tipping point for many professionals, especially in high-pressure environments. Mental-health challenges among workers have become increasingly evident, with stress, burnout and anxiety on the rise.
According to a 2019 study, an estimated 15% of working-age adults globally were living with a psychological disorder, making it clear that mental-health issues are an urgent concern for today’s workforce. This situation has only intensified in recent years, including in South Africa.
The 2024 Profmed Stress Index specifically revealed some disturbing facts about stress in our country’s workplaces. The survey, which included over 2 000 professionals, revealed that fatigue, poor sleep and even digestion issues were taking a heavy toll on workers. Economic factors like inflation and financial insecurity also emerged as major stress contributors, creating an environment where professionals are constantly battling mental, emotional and physical strain.
“The results reiterate that stress remains a significant concern and needs to be taken seriously. None of us are immune to its effects,” says Justine Lacy, clinical executive at Profmed.
“What stands out [in the latest report] is that while professionals are open to exploring new ways to manage their stress, the majority (60%) still prefer in-person mental-health support, whereas around a quarter are more comfortable with text-based support.”
While mental-health support remains crucial, research suggests that we should try turning to less conventional methods of coping– one of which is laughter. According to a study done by Stanford University in the US, laughter has long been a coping mechanism in daily life, but it is now being increasingly recognised as a powerful tool for boosting work productivity, easing stress and fostering positive workplace relationships.
From gloom to giggles
According to the Mayo Clinic, laughter activates several key systems in the body, offering an immediate sense of relief. When you laugh, your body undergoes several positive changes.
Laughter stimulates oxygen-rich air intake, invigorating your heart, lungs and muscles. It also releases endorphins — the brain’s ‘feel-good’ chemicals — leading to a sense of positivity and relaxation.
In addition to improving your mood, laughter reduces physical symptoms of stress. It can lower blood pressure, ease muscle tension and even reduce your heart rate, promoting relaxation after a stressful event. Whether it’s a hearty laugh shared with a colleague or a funny moment during a team meeting, these small bursts of humour can provide an instant mental reset.
But the benefits of laughter go far beyond a momentary reprieve from stress. Laughter has been shown to improve immune function and reduce the impact of chronic stress. Negative thoughts, often triggered by workplace pressure, can lower one’s immunity, making workers more susceptible to illness. Laughter, however, triggers the release of neuropeptides that fight stress, enhancing immune function and overall health.
Work hard, laugh harder
Despite the benefits of humour for stressed professionals and in the workplace, behavioural scientist Dr Jennifer Aaker told the Economic Times that too many employees and employers alike aren’t taking humour seriously at work.
“We’ve all fallen off a humour cliff. In a global study, over a million people were asked, ‘Did you smile or laugh a lot yesterday?’ For those who were 16, 18 or 20 years old, the answer was yes. Then, around 23, the answer becomes no,” says Dr Aaker. “Things look up again but only around age 80,” she adds. But why wait until then?
Beyond individual benefits, laughter plays a vital role in fostering better teamwork and collaboration. The dynamics of team-based work are often influenced by the level of trust and communication among colleagues. When laughter is present, it creates an atmosphere of openness, reducing tension and fostering more relaxed, productive conversations.
A shared sense of humour can build stronger bonds between colleagues. In team meetings or brainstorming sessions, a well-timed joke or light-hearted comment can break the ice and set a positive tone. It’s not about being the ‘class clown’ or not taking work seriously but rather using humour to encourage a more collaborative and creative atmosphere.
As teams become more comfortable with each other, they’re more likely to share ideas freely, communicate openly and offer constructive feedback. This type of environment fosters innovation and creativity, both of which are critical components of high-performing teams. Employees who laugh together are also more likely to support one another, making it easier to tackle challenges as a collective unit.
It’s common for stress and tension to run high in workplace environments where competition or tight deadlines are the norm. In such spaces, humour can be a tool to ease tension and remind employees not to take themselves too seriously. Humour can also help defuse potentially awkward or confrontational situations with others, turning negative interactions into opportunities for connection and improved conflict management.
Leaders who embrace humour set the tone for their teams, creating a culture where stress is managed more effectively. Instead of allowing tense moments or stress to escalate, managers who use humour to lighten the mood can foster a more supportive, open and healthy work environment.
Laughter helps you cope
Laughter is a powerful coping mechanism that can ease tensions and foster stronger relationships. Whether it’s a quick laugh in he lift or a light-hearted moment during a meeting, humour is one of the keys to better mental health at the office.
Tips for bringing humour to the office
Integrating laughter into the workplace doesn’t require a complete company-culture overhaul. Small changes can have a big impact on team morale and productivity.
1. Create a positive environment.
Incorporate light-heartedness into everyday interactions. Share funny videos, memes or jokes during team meetings or through office communication channels. The goal is not to derail productivity but to inject some humour into the workday to break up the monotony.
2. Lead by example.
Managers and leaders can set a tone of openness and approachability. By showing that it’s okay to laugh and have fun, they encourage their teams to do the same. Humour also makes leaders seem more human, which can foster better communication and reduce the sense of hierarchy that sometimes stifles creativity.
3. Encourage social activities.
Team-building activities, like laughter yoga, or a social outing to a comedy club, can strengthen bonds between colleagues. Creating opportunities for socialising outside the office helps employees relax and form better connections.
4. Foster a supportive atmosphere.
Encouraging colleagues to share funny anecdotes fosters a culture of humour, understanding and empathy. Laughter should not come at anyone’s expense, but rather as a way of building camaraderie and easing stress.
By: Mecayla Maseka
Photography by: Getty Images
Text courtesy of MAN magazine
