6 ways humour reduces stress and boosts productivity

The past few years have been among the most stressful periods for many businesses. One of the best, quickest routes to anxiety relief is fun — especially humour in the workplace. Whether your team works remotely or in the office, a little bit of fun goes a long way. If you're looking to relieve some stress at work and improve everyone's productivity, humour can be the answer. Here are six things you can do to give your workplace a boost.

The benefits of humour at work

Cracking a few jokes and having a little fun can affect the general atmosphere even outside work. It lightens your mental load and gives you a good boost for the day. Humour helps us relax and stay healthy; it creates an atmosphere of fun and perspective that helps us cope with stress. Research shows people who joke with each other feel happier and more satisfied with their jobs. Much like our ancestors, humans create and strengthen social bonds through laughter — teams that laugh together tend to be more cohesive, working in a safer, more comfortable environment.

1. Encourage fun conversations

The best thing you can do to encourage funny conversations is to have fun yourself. Laughter is a great way to break the ice and make the day more enjoyable. Creating an environment where people feel free to speak their minds boosts morale and builds links between team members. Laughter is also an indicator of emotional safety: by laughing, you let others know you'll respond positively and aren't judging them — and the bond is strengthened through trust.

2. Make jokes count

No matter where or how a joke is made, it counts — so when you share a funny story, make sure it truly fits the situation. You want a good laugh, but never at anyone's expense. Not everyone is good at telling or receiving jokes, so pay attention to how they land, and try to understand your teammates' sense of humour. As a rule of thumb, avoid jokes about religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability or gender. The goal is to make people feel included, never uncomfortable.

3. Create a happy atmosphere

Humour relieves tension, increases awareness and understanding, and creates a positive feeling — it also helps team members cooperate. Play team-building games that foster teamwork and give people permission to laugh at themselves. Small touches help, too: bring in a potted plant, set up a few desk games, decorate with art, posters or quirky objects. A positive, cheerful, friendly environment is often the catalyst that lifts morale.

4. Keep your professionalism

Always keep professionalism in mind — everyone should behave appropriately and not get carried away. Even when you're sharing puns and wild stories, remember it's all about the right balance. Being professional doesn't mean having no fun or never taking a break; once you've earned your credibility, it's fine to let loose, laugh with your colleagues and enjoy the best of both worlds.

5. Use positive language

Say less, do more. Avoid negative, dull or dark words, and use more positive language — love, happiness, life. How you say things matters; it makes conversation more constructive. Instead of criticising, try encouraging coworkers during difficult moments. Ask questions, invite people to share their mistakes, and help them focus on their achievements. We all make mistakes — what defines us is how we learn from them.

6. Listen to others

When you listen, you show that you understand and care about what your colleague is saying. Talking with one person at a time helps you understand them and earn their respect, which makes you more likeable. When you really listen, you can approach problems more effectively. In meetings, encourage each other to listen — offer suggestions and ask questions when the speaker pauses, rather than just waiting for a gap to jump in.

The bottom line

We spend so much time working that we rarely think about how our energy affects our work. A friendly, relaxed atmosphere inspires productivity and efficiency. If your business requires a degree of seriousness, allow that — but some lightheartedness is a good thing. The energy you and your team bring indirectly impacts your profit margins and customer satisfaction, so giving yourselves time to laugh can be a great way to boost your bottom line.

— By Katie Pierce