Laughter in the Workplace Benefits Everyone!
What do you love about your workplace or conversely what don't you like about it?
We all want the dream job that challenges and fulfills us in a way that we don't really feel like it is work at all. We want to love our job! If you are one of these people then congratulations on a well chosen path to happiness at work.
Most people however are not as blessed. That's not to say that they hate what they do to earn a dollar but at the end of the day there are other drivers that fulfill them in their workplace. We can't all have the dream job but we can have the dream culture which in many senses can make up for the shortcomings of the role you are employed to perform.
When people laugh together, a sense of rapport and engagement is immediately established. It creates an atmosphere of openness and genuineness where barriers are disabled and a feel good vibe immediately lifts the mood. As AC Grayling says in his book Thinking of Answers, "Laughter cuts through most tangles, it punctures pomposity"
So, to create a workplace culture where people are engaged and truly feel part of something worthwhile then leaders need to show their real self and lose any sense of self importance. Laughter is a great leveller and shows others your more genuine and vulnerable self, breaking down barriers that lead to better communication and team bonding. Laughter is something that everyone understands.
If leaders can tilt their thinking to a place where laughter and a healthy sense of humour are embedded in the company culture and ethos, they will be rewarded with staff that are engaged and committed to their jobs. Even if it isn't their dream job, they have the dream culture which is the next best thing.
Thinking that embraces a perspective of an enjoyable work environment is a win-win for everyone.
Remember, Human capital and innovation are the source of all long term economic success.





No one person has all the answers. A collective of ideas will always have a better chance of success





