Humor isn’t just entertaining—it’s effective. Studies show that humor activates the brain’s reward system, releasing dopamine, which improves focus, memory and mood. (It’s science).
Let’s face it: corporate emails can often feel like they’re written by someone who hasn’t had their coffee yet. But the monotony of standard communication can stifle creativity, disengage employees, and make the workplace feel... well, a little too serious.
Enter humor: the underrated, underutilized, and incredibly effective tool for enhancing internal communications.
In a workplace setting, messages delivered with a touch of humor are more likely to grab attention and stick. Workplace humor isn’t about auditioning for a comedy club. It’s about using lightheartedness to foster connections, build trust, and make the workplace feel more human. And in today’s fast-paced, hybrid-working world, humor is proving to be a critical strategy for improving the employee experience.
For example: Are you more likely to remember the email that says, “Please read the updated policy on desk cleaning” or one that starts with, “Your desk called—it wants to breathe again. Check out the new clean-desk guidelines!” Humor grabs attention, simplifies complex information, and makes even mundane tasks feel approachable.
Breaking Barriers with Humor in Communication
Internal communication faces several challenges: information overload, misunderstandings, and disengagement, to name a few. Humor can act as a bridge over these gaps.
Simplifying Complex Messages
Your company is rolling out a new project management system. Instead of an intimidating email filled with jargon, you could say, “We’re moving from spreadsheets to rocket ships! Meet [System Name], our new tool to take your productivity to the stars.” In this example, humor lightens the tone and encourages curiosity.
Encouraging Openness
Humor also levels the playing field in hierarchical workplaces. Leaders who incorporate humor—like sharing a funny meme or lightheartedly admitting to a typo—appear more approachable, fostering inclusive workplace communication where employees feel safe sharing their ideas.
Boosting Collaboration
A study by Lehmann-Willenbrock and Allen (2014) examined the role of humor in organizational team meetings. They recorded 54 regular team meetings across various German companies, analyzing patterns of jokes and laughter. Their findings revealed that humor sequences—such as a joke followed by laughter and another joke—fostered positive socioemotional communication, procedural structure, and the generation of new solutions. These humor patterns were positively associated with team performance both immediately and two years later. (VU Research)
This research underscores that well-timed humor in team meetings can alleviate tension, stimulate creativity, and strengthen camaraderie, thereby enhancing overall team performance. It's not merely about telling jokes but about cultivating an environment where team members feel relaxed and valued, which is central to inclusive workplace communication.
The Role of Humor in Digital Communication Trends
Nowadays, online connections and digital chats are what keep teams connected. But simple text, to request an update or ask for help is quite often easily misinterpreted. GIFs, emojis, and witty status updates have replaced the watercooler banter, making humor a core part of how employees connect.
Leveraging these digital communication trends can significantly enhance employee engagement, especially when engaging remote teams. For example, a quick poll in a remote team chat asking, “Which cat meme best describes your Monday mood?” not only brings smiles but also opens the door for casual conversations that strengthen team bonds.
Amirra’s interface transforms workplace connectivity into an intuitive, delightful experience. Every interaction is crafted to reveal the unique personality of the individual behind the screen, fostering a genuine sense of humanity in every digital exchange. Whether it’s joining an interest group, striking up a conversation across teams, or engaging with a manager, Amirra dissolves silos and builds bridges. It’s more than a platform—it’s the heartbeat of your company’s culture, turning interactions into meaningful connections that drive collaboration, understanding, and a sense of belonging.
Practical Tips: Humor Without the Risk
Now, let’s address the elephant in the meeting room: not everyone shares the same sense of humor. What’s hilarious to one person might fall flat—or worse, offend—another. Here’s how to get humor right in your internal communications:
Know Your Audience
While it's helpful to adapt your humor to your company’s culture and demographic, this doesn’t mean losing your unique voice. A quirky startup might thrive on memes and playful banter, while a more traditional organization might appreciate subtle wordplay or lighthearted metaphors. The key is balancing your personality with a thoughtful approach.
Be Inclusive
Humor should bring people together, not divide them. Avoid jokes that could be misconstrued or that rely on stereotypes.
A systematic review in Frontiers in Psychology found that humor plays a vital role in workplace leadership by achieving relational goals and enhancing team dynamics. (Frontiers)
Use Humor Strategically
Humor works best when it complements the message rather than overshadowing it. For example, a lighthearted opening in a company-wide memo or a fun icebreaker to start a meeting can grab attention and spark interest, but the main content should remain clear and professional.
When Humor Goes Right
Some companies are nailing humor in internal communication, using it to drive engagement and enhance the employee experience. Here are a couple examples of how some of Amirra’s clients are breaking the ice with their employees:
“Caption This Friday” contest, where employees submit captions for a funny photo.
“Pet Cameo” photo album, inviting employees to introduce their favorite pictures of their furry friends to the workplace. Every week, a new pet is highlighted, and everyone loves to join in with comments and likes.
Humor and Transparency: A Perfect Pair
Using humor in internal communications goes beyond generating laughs; it invites employees to show up as their true selves. When leaders and managers weave humor into their interactions, it signals that the workplace is a safe space for authenticity and openness. Employees are more likely to share ideas, voice concerns, and connect with their colleagues in a meaningful way.
Organizations that prioritize transparency see up to 30% higher employee retention rates. Humor fosters transparency by making leaders approachable and creating a relaxed atmosphere that encourages dialogue. (Forbes)
Transparency and humor together create an ecosystem where open communication flourishes, ensuring employees feel valued and connected to their organization.
Leaders, Set the Tone
Humor starts at the top. Leaders who incorporate humor into their communication set the tone for a workplace culture that values authenticity and connection. Here’s how to lead with laughter:
Open meetings with a lighthearted anecdote to ease tension.
Use humor in emails to make communication feel less formal.
Share your own “oops moments” to show vulnerability and relatability.
By modeling appropriate humor, leaders create a ripple effect throughout the organization, encouraging teams to communicate openly and creatively.
Conclusion
Humor may not solve all workplace challenges, but it’s a powerful tool in creating a connected, engaged, and human workplace. Simply put - “A smile goes a long way”.
From simplifying complex messages to bridging the gaps in remote teams, humor has the potential to transform internal communications. As organizations adapt to digital communication trends and prioritize employee experience solutions, it’s time to embrace humor as a strategic asset because a workplace with laughter isn’t just more fun—it’s more productive, connected, and inclusive. So, next time you’re drafting a company memo, ask yourself: What would make this message a little brighter?
After all, a workplace that laughs together thrives together.
If you’re searching for a way to improve the engagement of your employees that won’t take more hours from your day – Contact our Amirra team for a demo.
