Workplace Humor Can Be Your Advantage

Everyone seems drawn to that witty associate who always lightens the mood with just the right joke or light-hearted comment.  Humor, a new study finds, is a valuable asset in the office.

A recent study conducted by the Wharton School of Business titled “Risky Business: When Humor Increases and Decreases Status,” finds that the when done effectively the office jokester can be seen by co-workers as confident and competent.   “There are certain types of humor that are actually advantageous and beneficial to team building, and then there are types of humor that actually make it worse,” advises workplace humor expert and stand-up comic Leigh Anne Jasheway.  Sarcasm, and a put-down disguised as humor, should always be avoided, she suggests. “Because it can be highly misconstrued by other people.”  When done properly, Jasheway tells KTRH News, humor is a way to build relationships with the boss as well as fellow workers.  “I teach that it’s not really about being funny.  It’s about being playful and open to laughing when other people are funny because that’s how you build relationships,” she says.


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