Humor is a regular part of our interaction and a great extent of our social interactions are coloured by the use of humor. When used in the right situation and within the proper context, humor can help you traverse a long path. While humor is very well accepted and supported in our day to day occurrences, humor has also found its way into workgroups and organisations. It is a great way to start a conversation, as an ice breaker and to be perceived as an all round happy and jovial figure. The use of humor can actually make people understand that you are an amicable person and make you a likeable part of the office. However, like everything else, humor has to also be used with caution. You need to know when, where and how humor is appropriate and steer clear from using it in situations when it is inappropriate or uncalled for.
Here is a well-versed guide of using humor in the corporate world:
Be careful when speaking to your seniors: Those who are senior to you not only demand respect but also expect you to value their time and authority. While some senior members of the office space are very amicable and like to keep social interactions light and breezy, there are others who are more authoritative. Be very careful when using humor with your seniors as they can read the situation negatively and form a negative perception of you. If you find yourself with like-minded people who appreciate and have room for humorous interactions, it is only wise to use humor in these situations.
Use your humor wisely: One of the most important things that you must keep in mind is to use your humor wisely and effectively. While people enjoy those who can make a light joke or a witty comment that has a tinge of humor, those who make arrogant or inappropriate comments are considered annoying and are generally disliked by most people. It is hence very important for you to understand what topics you must make a joke about and what things you should stay away from. It is never okay to make fun of others or pass cheeky remarks at somebody else’s expense. These jokes are generally considered childish and widely inappropriate in the workplace.
Be clear about the topics to stay away from When it comes to using humor in the workplace, as already mentioned there are some topics that you must stay away from at all cost. As a general rule of thumb if you are unsure about whether a joke will be considered appropriate or not, do not pass it. It is never alright to make a joke about somebody’s outfit, body type, race, ethnicity, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or any other topic that can be perceived as hurtful by the other person. This is a simple way to make sure that you maintain a positive and cheerful workplace environment while not hurting anyone else’s feelings or making a joke at their expense.
Find common grounds: The best way to make sure that you’re relatable and funny around other people is to find common things. It can be something as simple as your favourite type of ramen or even something as personal as your childhood hometown. This way you can understand what will be well received by others around you and make humorous comments that will make others smile. On the contrary, even if you make the most intelligent and hilarious comment on something that nobody has any idea about, you run the risk of being perceived as cheeky and inept.
Using humor at the workplace has been considered as one of the best ways to enhance group morale and be perceived as likeable by others around you. It is a great weapon that, if used in the right ways, will provide you with a list of advantages and make you popular and well appreciated in your workgroup. Always remember to make sure that your humor does not hurt others or does not perpetuate stereotypes and prejudice against other groups. With the right use of humor, you can become an office favourite in no time at all!
