Humor and laughter has been a big part of my life since I was a kid. My great sense of humor has helped me survive four heart surgeries, several horrible jobs and my wonderful marriage.
If you’re reading this, you too are probably working at least 8-10 hours five days a week. Why not fill those hours with laughter? It will make your day much brighter and your job more pleasant.
Here are five reasons why humor is the best medicine for us working stiffs. Use what works for you, and please share the rest.
HUMOR BUILDS TRUST - How much better would your job be, if your co-workers shared more information and built more trust? A recent 2015 study by psychologists Alan Gray, Brian Parkinson, and Robin Dunbar found that people who watched a funny video shared 30% more personal information.
NEGOTIATE MORE WITH HUMOR - In a study by researchers Karen O’Quinn and Joel Aronoff, found that when someone ended their pitch with a humorous line such as “...and I’ll hand wash your car,”... they were granted 18% more concessions. Who doesn’t want 18% more advantages? I know my boss, my wife, would like 18% more income every time I gave a talk or a workshop.
LAUGH YOUR STRESS - Some say that “laughter is the best medicine.”, True, unless you have diarrhea. Seriously, multiple studies show that laughter and fun can lower your stress and make you healthier. Research shows that when you laugh, your body releases cortisol, epinephrine (adrenaline) and dopamine and legal, over the counter oxycontin, all of which helps you get to your happy place quickly and naturally. Laughter decreases stress, lowers anxiety and reduces companies medical costs.
BUILD BETTER TEAMS - Over 700 CEOs were surveyed by Hodge-Cronin and Associates and what they found was 84% believed that employees with a sense of humor did better work. In fact, 98% of the CEOs preferred to hire candidates who have a sense of humor. I have managed people in my careers and I know that people who had fun at work and used their sense of humor are easier to manage and are leaders on their teams.
FUN IS MORE PRODUCTIVE - A study by the Society of Industrial and Organizational Psychology showed that managers who used their sense of humor outperformed their colleagues and had a much higher level of performance. What business doesn’t want the best of the best, and a bigger bottom line?
I encourage you to find your sense of humor and share it with your family, friends, coworkers and even strangers. You’ll be surprised how much better your day will be and you’ll be laughing all the way to the bank.
Greg Kettner is an International Keynote Speaker on the benefits of humor in the workplace. I also is a very funny corporate comedian. Just ask him. www.linkedin.com/gregkettner or www.gregkettner.com