Appropriate workplace humor is all the rage these days. Vanessa Marcy, coach, speaker, comedian, and author, tells us why a healthy dose of humor can turn a workday into a party.
Why is humor at work so popular?
Vanessa Marcy“During the pandemic, humor has been a lifeline for many and exposed the flaws of old management. Employees are starting to question why they chose their jobs. We’ve seen employees resign, the rise of freelancers, and the popularity of four-day work. People want a workplace where they can not only achieve their goals, but also tell a good joke.
60% of employees want to laugh more at the office. What do you think of this number?
Vanessa Marcy: “It’s no surprise that employees want more humor. Research shows there are few reasons not to use humor, provided it’s used correctly. Many managers fear that humor will detract from their leadership. That’s nonsense. You can be very professional without taking yourself too seriously. In fact, humor helps build bridges, increases your credibility and makes you much more likable. It builds team spirit, creates trust and can make even the most complex issues understandable. And yes, humor can also help reduce tension or defuse conflicts.”
Can you use humor anytime, anywhere?
“In a business environment you have to apply humor subtly. It all depends on the situation, the people around you, their ages, and shared experiences. In fact, humor should be a subject in school, because it is a delicate art. A joke that is out of place… embarrassed Create a silence that you’ll remember for weeks to come. And remember: not everyone will find your cat joke as funny as you do.
Should you approach humor in a logical way?
“In an age where authenticity and vulnerability are the new buzzwords, a manager needs to be more human than ever. Where you used to hide your feelings under a poker face, this is now seen as cold and impersonal. Nowadays, it’s important to show that you’re as human as anyone else. Humor is a great way to show vulnerability and authenticity. It breaks down the distance and shows that you’re just human. Although humor may seem spontaneous, it takes some preparation and practice. If used intelligently, it can give your leadership and communications a huge boost.
How high can humor go in the corporate hierarchy?
“Humor can be used at all levels of a company, as long as it’s done right. If you make your colleagues or managers laugh, you make yourself visible. Are you the boss? Then self-deprecating is a good strategy. It bridges the gap between you and your team and makes you more approachable.”
What kind of humor is risky?
“It’s best to ignore offensive humor, especially in the workplace. You may be working in a familiar environment, but in the office you run the risk of hurting or making others uncomfortable. Also, self-deprecating isn’t always the best option when you first meet; after all, you don’t want your new colleagues to misinterpret your joke.
How to make your company humor-friendly?
“Make sure everyone understands the basic rules of humor and speaks a common language. For example, organize a seminar on humor in the workplace, explaining which jokes work and which don’t. It shows that humor and professionalism can go well together. Humor is not a magic bullet, but it can be a good indicator. If the hiring manager doesn’t smile during a job interview, or if no one in the office smiles, that’s a red flag. Humor only thrives in a friendly, safe atmosphere; otherwise, no one will dare to be vulnerable.
This article previously appeared in Htag by referencethe French-speaking partner of HR Magazine, comes from Human Resources Today. HR Today is the reference tool for HR professionals in Switzerland. The platform focuses on innovative and relevant content to help HR professionals create the world of tomorrow.
Text: Mark Benninger (HR Today)
Photo: Laurent Carré/Divergence
