Once a signal to reassure peers that a situation was safe, laughter is now recognized as an expression of joy with many benefits. “First, it’s great for the body and mind,” says Lionel Neveux. “Laughter releases neurotransmitters such as dopamine, endorphin and serotonin, which directly impact the body.” Laughter improves blood flow and muscle tension, reduces stress and boosts general well-being.
And it doesn’t stop there! “Studies by Harvard and MIT show laughter improves the atmosphere at work, stimulates concentration and creativity, increases productivity, and strengthens loyalty to the company, as well as the sense of belonging,” says Lionel Neveux. However, in some settings, laughing might be seen as too casual or unprofessional. “Whether laughter is accepted depends on how it fits with implicit norms,” explains the expert. Where to start
3 tips for promoting laughter in your business
- Managers, potential “role models” for laughter
Managers play a key role by leading through example. “By laughing themselves, they implicitly give permission for others to follow suit,” says Lionel Neveux. “And that normalizes laughter.”
- What role does humor play?
Obviously, laughter goes hand in hand with humor, but it must always be kind. “Remember: laugh ‘with’ and not ‘at’ other people,” advises Neveux. “Self-deprecation is usually the safest form of humor.” Allowing jokes that don’t offend keeps team well-being high, and cohesion strong.
“Make a point of checking in with people who don’t laugh at a joke. Ask how they feel and if they were offended,” recommends Lionel Neveux. “Managing laughter and humor is part of good leadership.”
- Set up opportunities for laughter
“Informal events outside the workplace create natural opportunities for laughter, without making it the explicit goal,” adds the specialist. “That boosts team cohesion.” Some companies hold laughter committees or laughter yoga sessions to deliberately stimulate laughter and deep breathing techniques to benefit the mind and body.
“Laughter is basically a valuable asset for well-being and cohesion at work,” concludes Lionel Neveux. And by actively promoting it, managers create a more pleasant and productive work environment.
Charlotte Foulon, with Elise Assibat, for the EVE webmagazine
