The Healing Power of Laughter: Why Managers Should Embrace Humor in a Stressed-out Digitalized World
Written by Antonio Sadaric and Carin-Isabel Knoop
“Humor is the affectionate communication of insight.”
–Leo Rosten, American humorist and screenplay writer
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
- In the tumultuous workplace landscape, humor emerges as a potent tool for well-being and connection, urging leaders tо navigate diversity with care and avoid stifling creativity amid the current era оf hypersensitivity.
- Leverage humor’s transformative power, drawing from sacred traditions and historical jesters, tо enhance creativity, resilience, and problem-solving іn the modern workplace through enriched, aesthetically-driven comedy.
- Managers, seize the comedic power shift — embrace a nuanced dance between humor and authority tо reshape perceptions and foster workplace harmony.
- We use ChatGPT to “summon” digitalized comedy legends, hilariously exposing the workplace absurdities, urging a reality check and a revolution оf inspired work through the transformative power оf laughter.
- Stanford researchers found that leaders with a sense of humor are seen as 27% more motivating. And that alone is a reason to try finding a sense of humor in the rapidly dehumanizing digital workplace.
Things feel desperate.
In today’s modern (often remote but always hectic) workplace, characterized by mounting mental health issues and technological dehumanization, managers face a daunting challenge: how to create an environment that fosters well-being and human connection? And how do they, themselves, foster bonds and maintain relationships?
Increasing diversity — race, generational, etc. -needs to be balanced with inclusive leadership in order to learn to disagree productively. Otherwise, discourse easily turns into discord, increasing tension and frustration in every interaction, which quickly turns into drama.
Humor is always situational and understandable in a specific context, and managers working in diverse and multicultural settings need to be mindful of translations and interpretations.
Humor is more than just funny concepts; it represents a multifunctional management tool that can be used to achieve many objectives, varying in forms and expected organizational outcomes (such as securing power or reducing social distance), as written by Romero and Curthirds (2006).
Humor also plays differently across generations. Millennials might appreciate a manager who is more self-deprecating and doesn’t take herself too seriously (https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-319-71541-4 as seen on page 65 in Compassionate Management of Mental Health in the Modern Workplace).
But there is something humans enjoy and share our ability to rally around a good show or a dramatic movie. A story without a conflict or some form of drama is not interesting as it does not evoke an emotional reaction.
Things can also get less serious.
A good drama seems to benefit from comic relief, defined a conclusion of the emotional tension provided by the interposition of a comic episode or element (originally coined by Richard Curtis and Lenny Henry in 1985).
Humor seems to be a powerful yet often overlooked tool in the modern workplace, especially with leaders suffering mental health challenges behind the superhero façade, amidst the polarized and hypersensitive workplace co-created under the influence of social media (e.g. the case of Cambridge Analytica).
In this article we continue our exploration of humanity in the modern workplace.
More specifically, how aesthetic storytelling can create strong emotional reactions (laughing) and how humor can heal.
What can managers learn from stand-up comedians, and how can it help them and us all reconnect our rapidly digitalized workforce with our own humanity? How can humor give leaders an edge?
The State of Disunion.
The advent of social media and the ease of online communication have amplified public discourse and provided platforms for diverse voices to be heard.
Increased visibility has resulted in a wider range of perspectives and opinions being expressed, which seems to be leading to various clashes of ideology, thus reinforcing resistance to new ideas that alter existing ideologies. Additionally, historical social injustices and marginalized communities’ ongoing struggles have brought issues of representation, equity, and cultural sensitivity to the forefront of public consciousness, driving resistance and unwillingness to adopt change even further.
Similar important discussions have prompted heightened scrutiny of language, humor, and content that may perpetuate stereotypes, discrimination, or harm. Everything seems offensive to someone nowadays, and everyone needs to be cancelled for it. Especially comedians who would be expected to have a free pass.
At the same time, we want to embrace diversity and accept that different people have different preferences for moral reasons but also because it fosters innovation, complementarity, and creativity.
Hostile tendencies also translate to the workplace, where among others, unmet high expectations and a generational shift cause misunderstandings which put additional pressure on our Stress-Strain Curve. So the average workforce member has two options: fight or flight — address the controversial topic openly and “get cancelled” or stay quiet and join the “quiet quitting” movement.
This fear of backlash may lead individuals and institutions to self-censor, stifling creativity and inhibiting the exploration of controversial or challenging ideas, leading to boredom in the boardroom. An excessive focus on avoiding offense might impede the evolution of comedy by limiting its ability to push boundaries, challenge conventions, and prompt introspection.
It is essential to foster a culture that embraces diverse perspectives by allowing for truly diverse ideas to emerge.
We can get closer to this ideal by promoting open dialogue, encouraging constructive criticism, and cultivating an environment where individuals can take risks in vocalizing their opinions, read their audiences but do not just pander to them, learn from mistakes, and engage in meaningful conversations on social topics.
And if there’s one place where these ideals appear ever present, it’s actually the world of comedy.
Comedy has always possessed a unique ability to provoke thought and address sensitive subjects.
One of its key strengths lies in its ability to navigate sensitive or complex topics by using laughter as a disarming force. Through comedic devices such as irony, satire, and wit, comedy can approach difficult subjects and explore them from alternative perspectives.
Comedy can help bridge gaps, challenge preconceptions, and foster understanding by presenting ideas in a humorous context.
In its broader sense, comedy serves as a means of entertainment, fostering connection and light-heartedness. It can provide a respite from the pressures of daily life, promoting unity and shared experiences.
In contrast, satire carries an additional responsibility as a form of social commentary. It encourages us to question established norms and critically examine power structures, bringing awareness to systemic issues that require change.
Satire’s ability to challenge the status quo is particularly vital when freedom of speech faces restrictions and the exchange of ideas becomes limited.
At the same time, satirical expression applied without the understanding of a specific context within a social microstructure can lead to chaos and counterproductive outcomes.
Satire often thrives on pushing boundaries, challenging norms, and providing social commentary through humor (e.g. Captain Bossman’s Workplace Stories). By examining and satirizing societal issues, humorous narratives possess the potential to introduce empathy into the conversation, promote critical thinking, and contribute to social progress.
But an art form is just an art form, and the individual performing art creates the actual effect the audience gets to enjoy.
The Human Brain on Humor.
Humor has the remarkable capacity to capture attention, disarm defenses, and create a shared experience among individuals. This inherent accessibility allows comedy to serve as a compelling vehicle for relaying messages.
The desired outcome is to make a person laugh, an area of research that is still emerging.
Humor engages multiple regions of the brain, including the prefrontal cortex, limbic system, and the brainstem. It creates a cascade of cognitive, emotional, and physiological responses that contribute to the pleasurable experience of laughter.
According to Savage et al. (2017) when experiencing laughter or humor, four key neurological processes come into play:
- Activation of Reward Pathways: Humor activates the brain’s reward pathways, particularly the mesolimbic dopaminergic system, which releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. This activation leads to positive feelings and reinforces the enjoyment of humorous experiences.
- Cognitive Processing: Humor involves cognitive processes such as pattern recognition, incongruity detection, and surprise. The brain anticipates a certain outcome or pattern, but when humor introduces unexpected or incongruous elements, it creates a cognitive conflict. Resolving this conflict by understanding the unexpected twist or punchline can lead to a burst of laughter and a sense of satisfaction.
- Emotional and Hormonal Response: Humor elicits emotional responses, primarily joy and amusement. It can create a sense of happiness, light-heartedness, and relief from stress or tension. The release of endorphins during laughter further enhances the positive emotional experience associated with humor, especially if shared.
- Stress Reduction: Laughing can help alleviate stress and promote relaxation by reducing levels of stress hormones such as cortisol and epinephrine. It provides a temporary escape from negative emotions and creates a more positive emotional state.
Provine (2015) remarks how neuroscience research findings include the acoustic structure of laughter, the minimal voluntary control of laughter, contagiousness, the “punctuation effect” that describes the placement of laughter in conversation, the dominance of speech over laughter, the role of breath control in the evolution of speech, the evolutionary trajectory of laughter in primates, and the role of laughter in human matching and mating. Broadness of research suggests the importance of laughter in our everyday lives, which makes it even stranger to have humor not welcome or even excluded from the modern workplace.
Through comedic devices such as irony, satire, and wit, comedy can approach difficult subjects and explore them from alternative perspectives.
Presenting ideas in a humorous context, helps comedy bridge gaps, challenge preconceptions, and foster understanding utilizing the principle of emotional truth hidden behind the punchline.
The etymology of humor is Latin, meaning “body fluid”; old medicine referred to four body fluids as humor. In its essence, humor is an essential element of the human condition, whether it’s just a state of mind and having a sense of it, or enjoying its full power and bringing tears to one’s eyes.
And as a powerful tool, humor holds significant value in the modern workplace. It enhances communication by breaking down barriers and fostering connection, but also builds rapport, trust, and engagement among team members.
Humor aids in stress management and resilience, promoting adaptability and emotional well-being. By encouraging creativity and innovation, it sparks fresh thinking and inspires problem-solving.
But what makes humor so powerful?
Effective comedy surpassing audiences’ cognitive filters often relies on storytelling techniques, including aesthetic storytelling.
Aesthetic storytelling refers to the use of visual and sensory elements, such as imagery, symbolism, and evocative language, to create a captivating and emotionally resonant narrative that supersedes cognition. When infused with aesthetic storytelling, comedy enhances its impact by creating a rich and immersive experience for the audience.
A well-crafted comedic narrative can elicit empathy, provoke self-reflection, and challenge ingrained beliefs, thereby facilitating a more profound connection between the message and the audience, almost like a superpower. It is through this dynamic interplay that comedy becomes a compelling and effective medium for relaying messages to diverse audiences, an especially helpful capability for the problems of the modern workplace.
Given its strong benefits on the human brain, it’s no wonder that the role of humor has been evolving through the millennia. Even animals have their own ways of laughing.
The Evolution of the Modern Comedian.
Various comedic formats have long been a vital cultural force throughout history, serving multifaceted roles within societies.
Native American culture relied on the “Heyókha,” as part of their healing traditions. Often referred to as the “sacred clown” or the “contrary,” the Heyókha embodied paradox and unpredictability. They were known for their unconventional behavior, offering a mirror to society by doing the unexpected.
Through their actions, Heyókha challenged assumptions, provoke critical thinking, and reminded the community not to take themselves too seriously.
Their role extended beyond humor. They served as a catalyst for reflection, thus urging individuals to embrace both the light and the dark aspects of life. As mediators between the physical and spiritual realms, the Heyókhas play a role deeply rooted in Native American cultural and spiritual practices, offering a unique perspective that encourages growth, adaptability, and a deeper understanding of the world.
A recent article in The Review of English Studies featuring Dr. James Wade of Cambridge University found a 15th Century manuscript reporting medieval comedy performance, elaborating the long-lasting tradition of comedy taking risks and making fun of everyone — regardless of their class. It also appears to be the first document reporting the use of the phrase “red herring”, a trick excellent storytellers frequently use to distract the audience and masterfully manage tension-release dynamics of a story.
In medieval times, jesters held a unique position of importance and fascination, embodying the idea of a red herring.
Jesters, often called fools, were entertainers who used humor and wit to engage and amuse audiences. They occupied a distinct social space, one that allowed them to transgress traditional norms and hierarchies, providing entertainment and levity in an era marked by hardships and social tensions.
Jesters played a remarkable social role by acting as truth-tellers and satirists. Through their humorous commentaries and witty critiques, they had the license to address delicate issues and mock powerful figures, including monarchs and nobility, without facing severe consequences.
Jesters were able to call things as they are and use humor as a method of relaying candid feedback to those in power without suffering the consequences of challenging authority and decisions. Their comedic performances served as comic relief from the often-cruel realities of life, allowing less privileged individuals to escape, even momentarily, the rigors of their daily existence.
Humor helped medieval peasants keep some dignity when everything else got taken away, and jokes became a way to fight back against the ones in power.
You don’t need to make fun of someone when you are in power, and people will laugh at your jokes even if they’re not funny (such is the case of Tony Soprano).
In today’s world, managers are expected to wear many hats, one of which is the sensegiving role, especially in terms of organizational change which is often imposed by those in power.
Employees expect their managers to provide enough information and truth to make sense of ongoing organizational change, and storytelling has shown to be particularly effective at influencing employees’ attitudes.
While jesters’ comedic acts acted as a subtle form of social commentary, providing a platform for questioning authority and challenging societal norms, the evolution of comedy and different art forms nudged the evolution of the modern jester — the stand-up comedian.
The craft of stand-up comedy has evolved over the years as a powerful and insightful critique of society.
Stand-up comedians have used their platform to provide social commentary, challenge norms, and offer unique perspectives on the world around them.
From breaking taboos to engaging with current events in different formats and styles, stand-up comedians have highlighted the idiosyncrasies, contradictions, and absurdities within society and its various subcultures. Through clever observations, comedians unveil societal quirks, expose contradictions, and explore cultural dynamics, often challenging the status quo and inviting critical reflection.
Stand-up comedy relies on subverting expectations and presenting alternative viewpoints, which is especially important in today’s disconnected and conflict-driven world.
Comedians use humor to challenge mainstream narratives and question commonly held beliefs. By taking a fresh and unconventional approach, they shed light on social issues from unique angles, encouraging audiences to reconsider their preconceived notions.
Comedians use satire and irony to question authority, expose injustices, and highlight the flaws and hypocrisies of those in power.
By humorously dissecting political systems, social hierarchies, and institutional practices, comedians offer a unique perspective on power dynamics within society.
Lenny Bruce, often called “Father Bruce” because of his evangelistic legacy, paved the way for free speech as we know it today throughout 1960s. His performances pushed the question of what obscenity was and who should define it. They also served to reinstate the role of satire and social criticism in American comic art.
Modern television content and even YouTube formats we enjoy today rest upon the foundation set by Bruce and other comedians.
The freedom to go on wild and barely censored Twitter (now X) rants would be inconceivable if that status quo had not been brought to question by someone deemed cancellable at the time.
The late comedy greats such as Don Rickles, the famous feud with Joan Rivers and Johnny Carson, George Carlin, Richard Pryor, Sam Kinison, and Bill Hicks have arguably made irreplaceable contributions to the world of comedy within their respective decade, but also to the general world of entertainment we know today.
While each comedian has their unique style and approach, they share some traits and characteristics that are potentially helpful for managers:
- Fearlessness: Famous comedians often display a fearless attitude when addressing taboo or controversial topics. They are willing to push boundaries, challenge societal norms, and confront uncomfortable truths through their comedy, but do it in an engaging way that keeps the audience in the conversation instead of pushing them out of it. As a leader dealing with ambiguity, approach difficult conversations with fearlessness and care or focus on the outcome.
- Involvement with social issues: Many of these comedians are known for their ability to use comedy as a vehicle for incisive social commentary. They tackle serious issues and engage in thought-provoking discussions about politics, race, religion, sustainability, and other aspects of society. As a leader dealing with diversity and balancing inclusivity without being biased or prejudiced, allow for meaningful discussions to take place within the secure confinement of your team.
- Authenticity: These comedians often bring their unique perspectives and personal experiences to their comedy. They have a distinct voice and a genuine authenticity that resonates with audiences, allowing them to connect on a deeper level. As a leader surrounded with idealized personal brands talking about their triumphs, be authentic and open up about your personal experiences and failures — find your own voice.
- Art of Storytelling: The ability to craft compelling narratives and deliver them with impeccable timing is a hallmark of comedians. They excel at constructing stories, anecdotes, and jokes that captivate audiences and create a sense of anticipation and payoff. As a leader in the modern workplace, understand that everything is narrative and narrative creation is an essential skill to master.
- Command of Language: Language is a crucial tool for comedians, and these leading figures demonstrate a mastery of linguistic techniques. They skilfully use wordplay, puns, double entendre, and other linguistic devices to enhance the comedic effect, create memorable moments, and connect with their audience. As a leader in diverse cultural settings, invest some time in preparing impactful quotes or words you want people to remember. Create the experience using language, instead of relying on people to interpret one for themselves.
Comedy, when thoughtfully applied, can serve as a powerful tool for fostering a positive work environment.
Entertainers such as Clown Doctors often see themselves as modern day healers, as their work grounded in humor makes people in distress feel better.
Humor as the Hidden Superpower of the Modern Manager?
We all need to have the ability to take things less seriously in today’s world where everything is presented as a serious emergency.
Unlike the doctors who experience burnout because people’s lives depend on their work, most of us don’t work in a life-or-death business context. And while business is serious and should be taken as such, being able to laugh at the situation or at one’s own mistakes feels like a superpower.
In reality, there are numerous benefits from having a sense of humor in the workplace, worth taking it into consideration:
It enhances communication among teams: Humor is a universal language that transcends barriers and fosters connection, and managers who can utilize it effectively can break down communication barriers, engage employees, and deliver messages in a memorable and relatable manner. It can make messages more memorable, capture attention easier, and foster better understanding. Using humor in presentations, meetings, or training sessions can increase engagement, improve information retention, and create a more positive and interactive atmosphere.
It builds rapport and trust: When managers use humor appropriately, it creates a positive and inclusive work environment where employees feel comfortable, valued, and understood. This fosters stronger relationships, encourages collaboration, and improves team dynamics, plus makes the manager look cool.
It helps reduce stress and build resilience: The modern workplace is often filled with pressure and challenges. Humor acts as a powerful stress management tool, helping managers and employees cope with stress and bounce back from setbacks, figuratively laughing in the face of danger. By using humor to bring perspective, lighten the mood, deescalate tension, and promote resilience, managers can be more effective in their effort to foster a culture of adaptability and emotional well-being.
It stimulates creativity and innovation: Managers who embrace humor encourage a playful mindset and create a safe space for employees to explore new ideas and take creative risks. Humor breaks down barriers, encourages out-of-the-box thinking, and promotes an environment that embraces innovation and continuous improvement, and even a bad idea can be turned into a funny inspiration for future ideas when reframed as a funny proposition.
It has an inspirational effect and reinforces Leadership Influence: By displaying a lighthearted and approachable demeanor, managers can inspire and motivate their team members to mirror positive behaviors and be better team members. It can break down hierarchical barriers, encourage collaboration, and promote a culture of psychological safety, where diverse perspectives are valued and creativity can thrive. Humor can create a sense of shared purpose through the shared experience of laughter, encourage optimistic thinking, and foster an environment where employees feel empowered to take risks and strive for excellence, and it even works in the Military.
By harnessing the power of humor and using it appropriately, managers can help themselves and others navigate the complexities of the modern workplace. This requires finesse so that the humor does not come off as rude, self-deprecating or critical.
The scarcity of humor among managers raises questions about whether it’s a conscious choice or a reflection of humorlessness.
This scarcity might stem from a desire to conform to professionalism norms, rather than a lack of humor itself. Managers often fear that humor might undermine their authoritative image.
However, the balance between humor and authority is nuanced, and humor can actually enhance a manager’s approachability and leadership style.
The idea that only those lacking power are seen as unfunny is a simplification; power dynamics significantly impact humor expression (as the aforementioned Tony Soprano example illustrates).
Managers may opt for a more serious demeanor, fearing that humor could compromise their authoritative image or be misinterpreted. This conscious decision to align with traditional managerial expectations can sometimes overshadow their natural humor, resulting in an environment where humor takes a backseat.
However, it’s crucial to recognize that managers’ skills at humor aren’t limited solely by their positions; it’s more about a calculated choice to prioritize professionalism over lighthearted engagement.
The association of humorlessness with power underscores the complexity of this relationship.
Managers who embrace humor can reshape perceptions, creating a relatable and open leadership style. Yet, humor’s absence can also point to a disconnection between organizational culture and the potential for lighthearted engagement.
Overcoming these challenges requires managers to challenge norms, creating an environment where humor enhances, rather than undermines, their leadership.
Ultimately, the modern manager’s navigation of humor, power, and conformity shapes not just their leadership approach but also the organizational culture they cultivate.
Balancing humor and authority becomes a bridge that can unite professionalism with approachability, creating a harmonious workplace atmosphere, as see in Figure 1 from Romero and Curthirds’ research paper.
In the realm of workplace humor, a silver bullet solution remains elusive due to its intricate connection with organizational culture, specific contexts, and internal dynamics.
Humor’s effectiveness hinges on its alignment with the prevailing organizational values and norms.
Different workplaces demand distinct humor approaches, adapting to customer interactions or professional demands. Additionally, internal occurrences, like restructuring or inside jokes, play a pivotal role in humor’s reception and impact.
Acknowledging these factors, leaders can wield humor as a versatile tool, fostering connections and positive atmospheres while respecting the diverse facets that shape their workplace. Embracing humor’s complexity allows for a tailored approach that ensures laughter harmonizes with the organization’s intricate fabric.
However, laughter is a way to show our humanity.
It can help with (re)connecting with team members, inspiring creativity, and fostering a positive and productive work culture. Ultimately, humor empowers managers to lead with authenticity, empathy, and a sense of joy, unlocking the full potential of their teams and driving success.
“In the simplest form, people know when a leader cares. Leaders who think they are such great bosses would be shocked to learn how people really feel about them. The problem with awareness and improvement comes back to the three central deceptions of many leaders…they think they are good listeners, good drivers and they think they have a good sense of humor. In reality most leaders are poor listeners, drive their organization too hard and are not the least bit funny.”
- Lipman CEO Kent Shoemaker, quoted in Compassionate Management of Mental Health in the Modern Workplace
The Dead Comics Society.
As a play on the rapid increase of interest around Generative AI, we asked ChatGPT to play the role of deceased comedians and comment on the modern workplace in their style and suggest a closure for our article.
A simple prompt was used for all comedians: “I would like you to create a joke in the style of [COMEDIAN], on the random topic of annoying organizational behavior seen in the modern workplace.”
These comedy legends were masters of connecting with their audiences by tapping into shared experiences and using comedy as a means of catharsis. They often challenged societal norms, pushed boundaries, and were unafraid to tackle controversial or sensitive topics, using humor as a way to provoke thought and spark conversations.
Our imaginary conversation connecting the greats of history and our digitalized present, helps highlight future workplace perspectives.
We need to learn how to start laughing at ourselves and stop taking everything seriously, we aren’t personal brands fighting for market share. We are human beings exchanging ideas.
The stars of the ChatGPT Comedy Club
Lenny Bruce (1925–1966)
“The modern workplace, folks, it’s a circus! Balancing deadlines, office politics, and managers who love to micromanage. We’ve got a secret language of corporate buzzwords that don’t mean a damn thing. It’s like an improv show with no punchlines. So, find humor in the chaos, stay authentic, and remember we’re all juggling in this crazy circus!”
Don Rickles (1926–2017)
“Hey you sensitive souls of the modern workplace! Lighten up, will ya? We’re here to work, not form a support group, alright? And you micromanagers, hey, give us some breathing room for Chrissakes! We’re not your personal shadows. Oh, and don’t forget to look up from your screens once in a while. There’s a world out there beyond your notifications. Let’s bring back some common sense and laugh at ourselves, folks!”
Joan Rivers (1933–2014)
“Let’s talk about the modern workplace, darlings. It’s a fashion disaster of bad behavior. We’ve got selfie-obsessed coworkers and office gossips spreading rumors faster than a Kardashian tweets. And those micromanaging bosses? They need therapy, not a company badge. But amidst the madness, we warriors find triumph and hilarity. So, keep strutting in those heels, conquer the workplace runway, and remember, a little laughter can turn any cubicle into a penthouse!”
Johnny Carson (1925–2005)
“These modern workplaces, folks. People buried in their smartphones, sending more emojis than words. We’ve got micromanagers who could give Sherlock Holmes a run for his money. And let’s not forget the delicate souls who get offended by everything. It’s like a workplace comedy show! So, sit back, relax, and enjoy the chaos!”
George Carlin (1937–2008)
“You know what bugs me about the modern workplace? The meaningless buzzwords, pointless meetings, and office politics. We’ve got people spouting nonsense like ‘synergy’ and scheduling meetings that could be emails. It’s like a dysfunctional soap opera without the plot twists. Let’s cut the bullcrap, keep our sanity, and focus on getting the job done!”
Richard Pryor (1940–2005)
“Modern workplace, folks. It’s like stepping into the Twilight Zone. Selfies are the new currency, emojis have replaced words, and sensitivity is off the charts. We’re drowning in a sea of selfies and emojis, while bosses micromanage our every move. And God forbid you crack a joke, you’ll trigger a state of emergency. But hey, let’s find our humor, people. Laughter is the lifeline that keeps us sane in this madness!”
Sam Kinison (1953–1992)
“You know what’s driving me nuts about the modern workplace? The chronic complainers and office paparazzi. WE’VE GOT GROWN ADULTS WHINING ABOUT EVERYTHING AND GOSSIPING LIKE THEY’RE AUDITIONING FOR A REALITY SHOW! It’s time to put our energy into work, not into perfect conditions and juicy rumors. Let’s rise above the noise and show some professionalism, folks!”
Bill Hicks (1961–1994)
“The modern workplace, folks. It’s like a vortex of mind-numbing bureaucracy and pointless meetings. We’re drowning in rules, suffocating in politics, and pretending to care about PowerPoint presentations. But guess what? It’s time to break free, unleash our creativity, and create a revolution of inspired work. Who’s with me?”
So, what’s the redline in these jokes?
Life is a comedy show.
Richard Pryor says, ‘Life is just a game of inches, but the inches you need are in your pants.’ Sam Kinison chimes in, shouting, ‘WHY DO WE DRIVE ON THE PARKWAY AND PARK ON THE DRIVEWAY? IT’S LIKE LIFE WANTS TO MESS WITH US!’ Meanwhile, Bill Hicks would interject, ‘Why is it called rush hour when nothing moves?’ And George Carlin, ever the truth-seeker, observed, ‘Have you noticed that anyone driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?’ Finally, Lenny Bruce would conclude saying, ‘The only honest art form is laughter, because laughter can’t be faked.’
Well there you have it, the magic of the know-it-all AI has spoken.
In a world where mental health issues loom large and technology threatens to disconnect us, humor stands as a beacon of hope.
By embracing the power of humor in the workplace, managers can create environments that nurture well-being, enhance productivity, and foster genuine human connection.
So, let’s dive into the honest art form of laughter and explore how it can revolutionize the modern workplace and make it more human. At a time when many of us seem to take ourselves just a bit too seriously and curate perfect personas, online and offline, let us not be afraid to laugh at ourselves and the idiocy of modern times can help us cope with its stressors.
After all, Stanford researchers found that leaders with a sense of humor are seen as 27% more motivating.
And that alone is a reason to try finding a sense of humor in the rapidly dehumanizing digital workplace.
This article was written by
Antonio Sadaric is an active member of #Humanizing Digital Work initiative and focuses on prosocial change leadership, aesthetic storytelling and human capital sustainability. He is passionately curious about organizational symbolism, corporate cultism and general mechanisms of social learning (sensegiving/sensemaking) in various organizational contexts. Most recently he published work in Frontiers of Psychology, Journal of Change Management, Economics and Business Review and Academy of Management Proceedings. He is also the co-author of Capt. Bossman’s Workplace Stories — the world’s first picture book for professionals. His consulting work at BUFFED focuses on leadership upskilling and helping (fin)tech scale-ups humanize organizational development. When not working, he plays Fortnite with his GenZ cousins.
Carin-Isabel Knoop leads the Harvard Business School’s research and case writing group and has helped HBS faculty members write more than 200 case studies on organizations and managers around the world. Learning about managers’ challenges pushed her to improve their lives, leading to the publication of Compassionate Management of Mental Health at Work with Professor John A Quelch (Springer, 2018). She also co-founded HSIO (Human Sustainability Inside Out), and speaks and publishes about mental health in the U.S., French, and Spanish-language spheres. She enjoys soft-serve ice cream, pragmatic idealists, and postcard writing.
