Laughing Leads to Less Stress, More Productivity in the Workplace

Researchers agree: Good communication equals a better work environment.

But did you know that mixing a little humor into everyday conversation also helps  increase productivity? A recent study in the Journal of Business Communication found that when leaders used humor and laughter during challenging situations, employees were more motivated and more invested in resolving the problem.

Laughter also does the body good: A daily chuckle can help lower blood pressure and reduce stress, which helps decrease healthcare costs and negativity in the workplace.

Here are some tips for managers on how to add humor in meetings:

• Go Universal. Everyone enjoys a good joke, but make sure the pun is appropriate for your audience. Stay away from religion, politics, traditions, etc. or anything that may offend an employee.
• Draw on your experience. Using a funny or personally embarrassing story will help employees relate to you, and keep the mood light.
• Engage employees. Ask workers about something humorous that has happened to them, or create a “funny story of the week” contest and provide a small prize to the winner, like comedy club tickets or movie tickets to a featured comedy.

Good communication skills—funny or not—are the key to a positive, happier work environment. Here are a few tips from the Mayo Clinic to help employees and managers communicate efficiently:

• Use assertion, not aggression. Studies show that being assertive helps reduce stress, boost self esteem, and lead to better communication skills overall. Encourage staff to speak up with new ideas or disagreements, which will help avoid any internal conflict employees may otherwise hold on to.
• Try “I” statements. Instead of, “you’re wrong,” phrase ideas or disagreements with “I”. For example, “I appreciate your view, however, I would like to try something different. What do you think about…?” This way you’re still acknowledging the other party’s view, and also asserting your opinion in a calm, open-minded manner.
• Maintain emotions. Use visual reminders like posters and brochures to help your team remember the keys to good communication, what to do when conflict arises, and how to solve problems efficiently.