When at work you are expected to remain somber and humorless, especially in this economy. Right? And yet research shows humor adds a sense of positivity and optimism in a negative environment. When you laugh or smile, it indicates you are happy and engaged in what you are doing.
A year ago Scott Christopher and I wrote the book The Levity Effect: Why it Pays to Lighten Up. In it we featured a host of research showing how fun at work increases the bottom line. An article from World at Work recently reinforced the point. The authors write:
Humor can help in employee retention. When stress levels are booming and the ability to solve a problem seems to diminish, humor acts an effective tool. It aids oneself to recline and start afresh. Working under stress can blemish the outcome hence it is required that you first pacify, attain stability and then try to achieve. Humor is the ingredient that can result into a successful recipe.
Humor also alleviates the degree of bonding between the employees and their organization. You feel connected to the workplace because humor provides with a sense of comfort. It highlights your creative intelligence and the ability to make others happy in an environment where it is utmost important.
Humor translates positive emotions. How can a positive emotion not add to ascendancy? It either shows that you are ecstatic or on the pathway to attain contentment.
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