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What’s funny about work?


Research shows that humour and laughter are great stress relievers. The use of humour in the workplace can be an effective way to cope with stress. Humour, when tactfully used, can facilitate the development of a more positive and optimistic work environment. In fact, organizational psychologists have clearly demonstrated the benefits of humour in the workplace.

So what do we know about humour?

  • People that are enjoyable to be around tend to be better able to defuse conflicts; reduce defensiveness among peers; may be better able to deliver bad news; and tend to handle complaints better.
  • Life is unpredictable. In order to enhance your health in the workplace, it helps to be flexible and adaptable, and humour can play an important role in your personal flexibility.
  • The physical act of laughing relieves tightness in the body, relaxes muscles, and can create an improved sense of well being.
  • Integrating humour in daily work activities reduces stress, and increases the ability to have fun at work.
  • Laughing for a full 20 seconds can be the cardiovascular equivalent of three minutes of strenuous rowing. Plus, as an added benefit, laughing stimulates endorphin release.

Humour relieves tension, and comes in handy when you find yourself in a situation that is causing some discomfort. It is said that children laugh around 400 times a day and adults may laugh about five times a day. Humour is everywhere, and expanding your ability to observe it creatively is a great way to keep your mind sharp!

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