Why humour can be good for your career 

According to a 2019 study, an estimated 15% of working-age adults globally were living with a psychological disorder, making it clear that mental health is an urgent concern for today’s workforce. This situation has only intensified in recent years, including in South Africa.  

The 2024 Profmed Stress Index revealed some disturbing facts about stress in our country’s workplaces. The survey, which included over 2 000 professionals, revealed that fatigue, poor sleep and even digestion issues were taking a heavy toll on them. Economic factors like inflation and financial insecurity also emerged as major stress contributors, creating an environment where people are constantly battling mental, emotional and physical strain.  

“The results reiterate that stress remains a significant concern and needs to be taken seriously. None of us are immune to its effects,” says Justine Lacy, clinical executive at Profmed. “What stands out [in the report] is that while professionals are open to exploring new ways to manage their stress, the majority (60%) still prefer in-person mental-health support, whereas a quarter are more comfortable with text-based support.”  

While professional mental-health support remains crucial, research suggests that we should try turning to less conventional methods of coping — one of which is laughter.  

According to a study by Stanford University in the US, laughter has long been a coping mechanism in daily life, but it is now being increasingly recognised as a powerful tool for boosting work productivity, easing stress and fostering positive workplace relationships.  

From gloom to giggles  

According to the Mayo Clinic, laughter activates several key systems in the body, offering an immediate sense of relief. When you laugh, your body undergoes several positive changes. Laughter stimulates the intake of oxygen-rich air, invigorating your heart, lungs and muscles. It also releases endorphins — the brain’s ‘feel-good’ chemicals — which leads to a sense of positivity and feeling of relaxation.  

In addition to improving your mood, laughter reduces the physical symptoms of stress. It can lower blood pressure, ease muscle tension and even reduce your heart rate, promoting relaxation after a stressful event. Whether it’s a hearty laugh shared with a colleague or a funny moment during a team meeting, these small bursts of humour can provide an instant mental reset. 

But the benefits of laughter go far beyond a momentary reprieve from stress. Laughter has been shown to improve immune function and reduce the impact of chronic stress. Negative thoughts triggered by workplace pressure can lower one’s immunity, making workers more susceptible to illness. Laughter, however, triggers the release of neuropeptides that fight stress, enhancing immune function and overall health. 

No laughing matter 

Laughter is a powerful coping mechanism that can ease tensions and foster stronger relationships. Whether it’s a quick laugh in the lift or a light-hearted moment during a meeting, humour is one of the keys to better mental health at the office.  

Work hard, laugh harder 

Despite the benefits of humour for stressed professionals, Stanford behavioural scientist Dr Jennifer Aaker told the Economic Times that too many employees and employers alike aren’t taking humour seriously at work.  

“We’ve all fallen off a humour cliff… In a global study, over a million people were asked, ‘Did you smile or laugh a lot yesterday?’ For those who were 16,18 or 20 years old, the answer was yes. Then, around 23, the answer becomes no,” says Dr Aaker. Funnily enough, the period between the ages of 23 and 40 is usually considered to be the serious, career-focused, earning years. So there’s no time for jokes that fall flat, right? However, after 40, things start looking up again, especially around the 80 mark, Dr Aaker adds. But why wait until then? 

Beyond individual benefits, laughter plays a vital role in fostering better teamwork and collaboration. The dynamics of team-based work are often influenced by the level of trust and communication among colleagues. When laughter is present, it creates an atmosphere of openness, reducing tension and fostering more relaxed, productive conversations.  

Shared humour can build stronger bonds between colleagues. In team meetings or brainstorming sessions, a well-timed joke or light-hearted comment can break the ice and set a positive tone. It’s not about being the ‘class clown’ or not taking work seriously, but rather using humour to encourage a more collaborative and creative atmosphere.  

As teams become more comfortable with one another, they’re more likely to share ideas freely, communicate openly and offer constructive feedback. This tends to foster innovation and creativity, both of which are critical components of high-performing teams. Employees who laugh together are also more likely to support one another, making it easier to tackle work challenges as a collective unit.  

It’s common for stress and tension to run high in offices where competition or tight deadlines are the norm. In such spaces, humour can be a tool to ease tension and remind employees not to take themselves too seriously. Humour can also help defuse potentially awkward or confrontational situations, turning negative interactions into opportunities for connection and improved conflict management.

Leaders who embrace humour set the tone, creating a culture where stress is managed more effectively. Instead of allowing tense moments or stress to escalate, managers who use humour to lighten the mood foster a more supportive, open and healthy workplace. 

Top tips for bringing humour to the office  

Integrating laughter into the workplace doesn’t require a complete company-culture overhaul. Small changes can have a big impact on team morale and productivity.  

► Create a positive environment 

 Incorporate light-heartedness into everyday interactions. Share funny videos, memes or jokes during team meetings or through office communication channels. The goal is not to derail productivity but to inject some humour into the work day to break up the monotony.  

► Lead by example  

Managers and leaders can set a tone of openness and approachability. By showing that it’s okay to laugh and have fun, they encourage their teams to do the same. Humour also makes leaders seem more human, which can foster better communication and reduce the sense of hierarchy that sometimes stifles creativity.

► Encourage social activities  

Team-building activities like laughter yoga, or a social outing to a comedy club, can strengthen bonds between colleagues. Creating opportunities for socialising outside the workplace helps employees relax and form better connections.  

► Foster a supportive atmosphere  

Encouraging colleagues to share funny anecdotes fosters a culture of humour, understanding and empathy. Laughter should not come at anyone’s expense, but rather as a way of building camaraderie and easing stress.