4 tips for using humor at work

They say “all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” I don’t know Jack (stop laughing), but I assume “Jack” means “everyone.” When you’ve worked yourself to death, it helps to have some fun and relax a little bit. One way to relax is to take a vacation, but since you can’t head to the beach every month, another good way to unwind is to have a laugh with your coworkers. Now, before you start quoting the Netflix special you watched last night, here are a few tips for using humor in the workplace.

Keep it PG: Maybe you can get away with some PG-13 humor, but you definitely don’t want to offend anyone. Everyone doesn’t have your sense of humor, so just be mindful of that. And obviously avoid any off-color jokes that could lead to a lawsuit on your desk.

Laugh with not at: Everyone enjoys a good “dad joke.” If you say you don’t, you’re lying. But seriously, if you’re going to try and make your coworkers laugh, just don’t do it at anyone else’s expense. Don’t make fun of or attack anyone for the sake of laughter. If you wouldn’t say it to your grandma, don’t say it at work.

Remember you’re a pro: There’s a fine line between being funny and being a clown. Hopefully you’re respected in your office, and you should keep it that way. It’s okay to crack the team up every once in a while, but don’t get to the point where your coworkers think you’re a nutcase.

Be funny: Be relaxed and natural and let the funny slip out. If you try too hard to be funny, you won’t be, and instead of laughs you’ll get blank stares. Nobody wants that. If you want to hear crickets, go sit on your back porch.