“Laughing with” vs. “laughing at”

A 5-year-old laughs an average of 400 times a day. In contrast, as we age, we tend to hold back. An adult laughs between 10 and 15 times a day, which is quite low. So how does it work at work?

Laughing is as essential as breathing. And this is also true in the professional world. The reasons are numerous:

1. Laughing is a social unifier. It can strengthen bonds between colleagues and create a sense of team and belonging to a “group.” It also helps make work more relaxed and enjoyable.
2. It also serves as a psychological marker. It reduces stress by releasing endorphins, fostering a positive spirit, and improving our resilience in facing tasks.
3. Laughter is also a driver. A work environment where laughter and humor are present encourages creativity and motivation, leading to less absenteeism and greater engagement in the long term.
4. Finally, laughter and humor can be hallmarks of a company. Integrating humor into the corporate culture can reflect values of kindness and openness. It can also serve as a source of motivation for joining the project.

Good practices to avoid faux pas: 

Of course, we all wish we could fully be ourselves with our humor around our colleagues. But unfortunately, that’s not always possible. Social codes require us to be attentive to certain things and adopt specific reflexes.

1. Observe

The first reflex is to observe what is acceptable or not in the company you are in. This will help you learn the company’s code regarding humor.

2. Inquire

The second reflex is to inquire about the culture and social norms. Knowing the taboos, values, and cultural references helps avoid misunderstandings and shows respect.

3. Choose appropriate topics

Ideally, choose inclusive joke topics that allow us to “laugh with” rather than “laugh at.

4. Be attentive to others’ reactions

If a colleague seems uncomfortable with our humor, it’s time to stop or change the subject.

Caution: potential dangers 

While humor at work can have positive effects, it can also be destructive or a source of conflict. Here are 5 dangers of humor at work:

1. Misunderstandings

Misinterpreting a joke can lead to feelings of offense.

2. Harassment and discrimination

Repeated jokes targeting a person or part of their identity (religion, gender, etc.) can be considered harassment.

3. Toxic climate

Poorly executed or hurtful humor can create a toxic atmosphere with real consequences for employee well-being.

4. Damaged image

Excessive use of humor can give the impression that someone is not serious or professional, thus affecting their credibility. If humor is misinterpreted or deemed inappropriate, it can also damage a person’s or the company’s reputation.

5. Conflicted relationships

Repeated jokes at someone’s expense can create tension and hurt working relationships, potentially leading to exclusion.

And what about HR? 

How should HR position itself regarding humor in the workplace? Here are some considerations:

1. Establish clear boundaries

The best way to avoid pitfalls is to have shared and clear internal policies on what is acceptable and what is not.

2. Raise awareness

Sensitize employees to the importance of respecting cultural and individual differences.

3. Lead by example

Employees often reflect their managers. Management should set an example regarding humor. The best way to do this is to be **inclusive**, using positive humor that uplifts rather than belittles. Self-deprecation is also a good approach.

4. Encourage communication

Encourage employees to express their feelings if they are uncomfortable with a joke. And, of course, emphasize the importance of mutual respect and empathy in all interactions.

5. Address problems

When a situation is known, shared, or reported, it is important to directly address the issue to reduce tension or find a solution.

Humor, this superpower 

Two professors at Stanford University have established that the number of laughs per day decreases after the age of 23, the average age at which one enters the job market, and it rises again after 65, when employees retire.

In other words, there is a real correlation between work and the willingness to laugh. Since this study, they have traveled the world explaining how humor is, in fact, a superpower for those who practice it in the workplace.

To convince you, here are 9 minutes of an excerpt from their conference:

Laughter to disarm everything

There are several strategies involving humor to defuse conflicts at work:

1. Self-deprecation, or the ability to laugh at oneself, one’s mistakes, or quirks… As a manager, self-deprecation also allows you to convey a message: “Mistakes are not a disaster, but rather opportunities to learn and improve.”
2. Collaborative humor. Laughing together is a genuine weapon to mitigate conflict.
3. Funny anecdotes. When a moment of tension arises, sharing personal anecdotes about past experiences fosters a connection among colleagues.

Have you heard of laughter yoga?

Some companies focus on laughter yoga to increase their employees’ productivity. This therapeutic method, invented by Dr. Kataria in India in 1995, consists of laughing without reason. This may sound surprising, but practicing laughter among colleagues creates a communicative and contagious dynamic.

The results? More efficient, optimistic, empathetic, and adaptable employees.

Stat: 98%

A sense of humor is also a determining factor in recruitment choices for 98% of the directors surveyed.

Source: Jennifer Aaker and Naomi Bagdonas (study based on a survey of 1.4 million people from 166 countries).