A serious workplace doesn’t have to mean a humorless one. Discover why humor in the workplace is an essential leadership tool that drives performance, engagement, and well-being.
The Serious Leader Who Avoided Laughter
Years ago, I knew a very serious leader.
She was not a laugher. She was not a joker.
I never once heard her say, “You know what’s funny about that?”
And whenever I said, “You know what’s funny about that?” the look in her eyes told me she did not find anything funny about that.
She was serious.
The thing was, she led people who cared for small humans—underdeveloped individuals in the most unpredictable stage of their lives—early adolescence. And, friends, everything is funny about that. These kids did senseless things all day long, blurted out random thoughts at the most inappropriate times, and yet we were charged with teaching them pre-algebra.
There are no two ways about it—the premise itself is hilarious.
Finding Joy in the Work We Do
Despite the chaos, most of us had fun. Recognizing the humor in the workplace boosted morale and pulled us together. Yes, we had serious work to do—teaching is serious business. It is both science and art. It requires focus, persistence, multi-faceted thinking, differentiation of instruction, and strong classroom management skills.
And failing to recognize how we had to do all of those things with a scientifically scatterbrained audience of pre-pubescent teens would have been tragic.
The power of humor at work was undeniable. It strengthened our bonds and helped us navigate challenges.
We taught these unpredictable, wonderful young people well, and our results showed it:
- Strong student outcomes
- Positive climate and culture
- High team morale
The Contrast: Seriousness in Higher Education
When I transitioned to higher education, I expected to find the same environment. Instead, I found more seriousness, not less.
The humor was still there—our students were older and fully understood the power of a good laugh. And yet, from a leadership and workplace culture perspective, austerity was the norm.
To be fair, workplace humor in higher education is different. It’s often wry, self-deprecating, and deadpan. The seriousness of our systems calls for focus, and the topics we study require intellectual rigor. But in large, formal settings, humor seemed almost absent.
However, in department meetings and casual faculty interactions, I found humor to be a secret weapon for leadership. It lightened the load, strengthened teams, and made challenges easier to handle.
Why Is Leadership So Serious? The Case for Humor at Work
We must ask—why is there such a push toward earnestness in leadership?
Yes, the work is challenging. The barriers are daunting, especially in education in Texas right now. But why make things feel heavier? Why embrace more gravity than necessary?
Does any research suggest that a rigid, solemn workplace leads to higher performance? That a humorless work culture fosters innovation or drives success?
Quite the opposite. Research indicates that workplace humor increases productivity, reduces stress, and strengthens teams.
The Science Behind Humor and Productivity
Here’s what the research tells us:
- Positive work environments produce better results.
- Laughter at work increases productivity. (Harvard Business Review)
- Smiling lowers blood pressure. (American Heart Association)
- Humor reduces stress and improves mood.
- Laughter enhances learning and retention. (Forbes)
Clearly, humor in the workplace is not just a luxury—it’s a performance strategy.
How Leaders Can Embrace Humor at Work
So, dear leader, as you go into this week and beyond:
- Make the workplace a happier place to be. A positive environment leads to better engagement and retention.
- Celebrate the good and laugh at the funny. Recognizing small wins and sharing lighthearted moments reinforces a culture of appreciation.
- Foster collegiality in natural ways. Less scripting, more spontaneity. Try asking, “What’s good today?” or “What was the funniest thing that happened this week?” in meetings.
- Make laughter part of everyday life. Work is a big part of life—why not make it joyful?
Final Thought: A Happier Workplace Is a More Successful One
A serious job doesn’t require seriousness all the time.
The best leaders understand that humor in the workplace isn’t just a distraction—it’s a leadership tool. It builds trust, strengthens teams, and helps people push through challenges.
So as you lead this week, ask yourself: Are you making space for laughter?
Because a workplace that feels lighter isn’t just happier—it’s more productive, more engaged, and more successful.