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Sir David Attenborough once observed: “It is through play that lion cubs develop agility.” When I navigate the boardrooms of large companies, I see the word “agile” scrawled on whiteboards almost everywhere. Yet I rarely encounter a culture that embodies play. In an age marked by burnout, chronic stress, and overwhelm, perhaps laughter is the best medicine for cultivating a culture of calm and helpfulness.
But as with wellbeing, you can’t simply create a positive culture. It requires the active participation of leadership. This is where you come in. Leadership is not management; it’s about connecting deeply on a human level, inspiring a collective journey towards a shared vision. Laughter, in this context, acts as a universal language, breaking down cultural and rank barriers to create an environment full of trust, openness and mutual respect. When leaders harness laughter with genuine intent, it not only releases tension, but it becomes a catalyst for collaboration and satisfaction.
Related: Want to Build Relationships? Find ways to laugh together.
Because laughing is more important than ever
Laughter is a strategic resource, building resilience and promoting a thriving work environment. It increases endorphins, reduces stress and creates strong social bonds, allowing teams to tackle challenges with flexibility and innovative thinking. Laughter also indicates an environment of psychological safety, where team members feel safe and valued, encouraging open communication and risk-taking without fear of ridicule or retaliation. This psychological safety is critical to trust and innovation, leading to significant ROI for organizations. Companies that prioritize a safe environment report higher levels of engagement, reduced turnover rates, and increased productivity. In essence, laughter not only enriches workplace culture, but also serves as a catalyst for tangible, positive results in organizational performance and employee satisfaction.
This is underlined by a study by Bennett, MP, & Lengacher, C. (2006), revealing that laughter can significantly reduce stress and improve the activity of natural killer cells, thus strengthening the body’s defense against diseases. This is in line with the findings of Dunbar, R.I., et al. (2012), who discovered the ability of laughter to increase pain tolerance – and I’m sure you’ll agree that work can sometimes be painful.
Resilience through laughter and humor
Resilience is not simply about bouncing back; it’s about growing through adversity. It is the gateway to antifragility. Laughter and humor instill a sense of perspective and levity in the workplace, allowing individuals and teams to see obstacles not as insurmountable hurdles but as opportunities for growth. This cognitive flexibility allows individuals and organizations to address the uncertainties of the business landscape with decisiveness and agility.
Research by Papousek, I., et al. (2017) demonstrated that laughter immediately increases mood and well-being, underlining the protective effect of laughter against mental health problems. Furthermore, a study by Tugade, MM and Fredrickson, BL (2004) highlights how laughter and positive interactions improve social bonds and collective problem-solving skills, promoting a collaborative and innovative work environment.
Align humor with organizational values
However, to be effective, laughter and humor must resonate with an organization’s core values. Inclusive and respectful humor will strengthen team cohesion and uphold the dignity of all members. Therefore, leaders must model and encourage forms of humor that align with the organization’s values, cultivating an environment where every team member feels a sense of connection and belonging. I recommend starting with observational humor and silly jokes, maybe the mind-blowing “dad joke” type (even if you’re not a dad). Some low-risk examples of workplace pranks include:
- “Lately, coworkers have been writing names on food in the office refrigerator. I’m currently eating a sandwich named Kevin.”
- “You know what can really ruin a Friday? Remembering that it’s Thursday.”
- “What’s the best thing about teamwork? Someone else to blame.”
Avoid sarcasm or laughing at the expense of others, including a nightmare customer or a departed employee. Remember, jokes are inherently viral.
Related: How to Use Humor at Work Without Acting Like a Jerk
A project for leaders
To effectively integrate laughter into leadership, leaders can:
- Model behavior: Demonstrate the value of laughter by setting a tone that encourages lighthearted interactions. Start with a smile; sometimes that’s enough. Notice your posture and the tone of your voice when you speak. Emotions are contagious, so be the change you want to see.
- Cultivate a joyful environment: Build a culture where laughter and humor are normalized, ensuring they are inclusive and aligned with company values. Ask team members to share what made them laugh during the previous week. Build humor as a micro-habit.
- Celebrate by laughing: Use humor to celebrate successes and address challenges, reinforcing a growth mindset. Try starting and ending meetings with humor rather than diving straight into the agenda or ending on a serious note. Ask, “What went well?” instead of dwelling unnecessarily on negativity.
- Embrace authenticity: Share moments of humor that are true to you, building trust and authenticity. Your trials and tribulations – and the way you’ve learned to laugh about them – can inspire others to see the lighter side of their challenges.
Integrating laughter into leadership isn’t just about adding moments of joy; it’s about building a more cohesive and innovative team. Laughter, when aligned with an organization’s core values, becomes a powerful tool in the leader’s arsenal, increasing well-being and improving performance. In the pursuit of organizational excellence, embracing laughter means embracing the future of leadership, where challenges are met with agility, resilience and joy.