Larry D. Weas, Ed. D. Program Counseling, Adult & Higher Education, College of Education, Northern Illinois University

Using Humor in HRD & Training

Laughter & productivity

Understanding the Importance of Healthy Workplace Humor as a Tool to Develop

Positive Relationships… so, how can we as educators, trainers, and

practitioners use humor in the classroom to enhance the effectiveness of adult learning in today’s students?

The goal in researching humor in HRD and training is to look at organizations, managers, and employees with a heightened understanding of the importance of fostering and incorporating appropriate humor in the

workplace.

Research recommends humor to (1) release endorphins, (2) trigger health, (3) increase relaxation, and (4) alter brain chemicals in the direction of winning. How so…?

IntroductionIntroductionAs the old saying goes, laughter is the best medicine

•Workplaces that encourage Laughter have happier, healthier and more productive workers and, as a result, see an increase in profit and results.

•Relationships, rapport, cooperation, influence and staff development can all be enhanced by the appropriate use of humor.

•Humor creates a pleasant working environment, motivates employees, decrease anxiety and stress, boosts morale, increase creativity, and enhances problem-solving skills.

The approachThe approach

While Humor can be a great tool for improving productivity and relationships, inappropriate jokes and comments will do the opposite. The following will ensure that humor influences the workplace positively:

•Humor should always make people feel good, happy, relaxed and accepted.

•Humor should poke fun of situations, not people.

•Humor should never be about a persons’ appearance, religion, ethnic background, or sexuality.

•Humor has very little to do with practical jokes—they usually make people feel bad and separate them from the “group.”

•Humor should not be used to make complaints about your workplace, or insult bosses or colleagues.

Guidelines & ObstaclesGuidelines & Obstacles

The cultureThe cultureIncorporating Humor Incorporating Humor

Here are some suggestions on how organizations can incorporate Humor in the workplace—these are merely suggestions and should be used to help managers develop their own fun activities that fit the culture of their specific organization and management style:

•Create a humor bulletin board.•Create a humor break “Quiet” room.•Create a tension release area.•Have FUN dress-up days.•Give Gag Gifts and Fun Awards.•Laugh at yourself.•Find humor in everyday situations.•Be aware of cultural differences.

The StudyThe Study

Humor in Human Resource Development (HRD) and Training is a valuable teaching tool for establishing a training classroom climate conducive to corporate learning for new employees.

Various findings contained in this research identifies:

•Opportunities for incorporating Humor into the training classroom.

•The physical and psychological effects and impact of Humor on learning outcomes.

•Appropriate use of Humor in training today’s employees in the classroom as well as the workplace.

The resultsThe resultsPhysically & Physically & PsychologicallyPsychologicallyUsing Humor in the workplace contributes to employees and

employers both physically and psychologically. Laughter and Humor increases the immune system response, cardiovascular strength, relaxation, muscle tone, decrease muscle tension and pain, and speeds recovery.

It also has the power to…•increase motivation and energy.•increase socialization.•improve concentration and memory.•enhance creativity.•reduce emotional anxiety and aggression.•nurture self-esteem.

The benefitsThe benefitsHumor, Laughter & Humor, Laughter & ProductivityProductivityAdditionally, Humor can benefit employees because Laughter releases endorphins that can reduce stress, create a sense of well-being, and makes you feel more alert.

•Humor can help people think more creatively. If an employee is stuck on a problem, a good laugh can help them clear their mind of any negative thoughts and return to the issue with a fresh positive outlook.•People with a good sense of humor are better communicators and team players.•Humor builds self-confidence, makes people less afraid to make mistakes, and helps people regroup from negative events.

1. Release endorphins into the brain so that pain can be reduced, and people appear happily distracted from difficult situations.

1. Release endorphins into the brain so that pain can be reduced, and people appear happily distracted from difficult situations.

2. Trigger health by stimulating the immune system and connecting mind and body exchanges in positive and healthier ways.

2. Trigger health by stimulating the immune system and connecting mind and body exchanges in positive and healthier ways.

3. Increase relaxation through added oxygen to the brain, better air exchange and fuel for deeper thought or learning.

3. Increase relaxation through added oxygen to the brain, better air exchange and fuel for deeper thought or learning.

4. Alter chemicals within the brain, in ways that reduce stress, lift emotions and contribute to and sustain a sense of well being.

4. Alter chemicals within the brain, in ways that reduce stress, lift emotions and contribute to and sustain a sense of well being.