Laughter can alleviate stress at work

Abrupt changes in the world and the marketplace have created intense anxiety among employees who find they are easily expendable.

Job stressors pile up in unpredictable or uncontrollable situations. Stress can be caused by a demanding client base or supervisor, heavy workloads or tight scheduling or decisions made in which the employee has little or no input but it adversely impacts their job. The serious aspect of work is a constant. But if people can develop a humorous perspective, a great deal of serious work can be accomplished in a lighthearted way.

There is much scientific evidence showing laughter is an integral part of physical wellness. Studies show blood pressure drops to a lower, healthier level than before the laughter began. Laughter oxygenates the blood, increases energy level, relaxes muscles and exercises all major cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Some researchers are discovering laughter also affects the immune system and makes it grow stronger. A 20-second burst of laughter gives the heart the same workout as three minutes of hard rowing.

Joke telling and the use of props are two forms of humor that can trigger laughter, but there are many others. Leaving an apple on a coworker's desk, giving a compliment or sending encouraging e-mail are all acts that leave people feeling good and probably will invoke a chuckle. Organizations increasingly are looking for ways to keep their workforce happy, healthy and productive. They are realizing the benefits of laughter and are incorporating it into their wellness programs.

Companies are full of funny and resourceful people who need to be given permission and encouragement to use their sense of humor on the job. Being able to laugh about themselves and situations helps people accept what they cannot change. Laughter makes people feel less overwhelmed and better able to perform their jobs. The result is the release of tension, an increased sense of unity between management and employees, and a healthier workplace.