Photo by Surface

My book, “Wordle Limericks: Volume 1,” is a good way to slowly introduce humor into the office.

The value of humor must not be underestimated because people need to laugh from time to time to relieve stress or to enjoy life to the fullest.

I think that a lot of you would agree when I say that one place that needs humor is the workplace. A good way to add humor to it is by capturing humor in poetry with the charisma of limericks.

With that said, let’s go ahead and learn the real value of humor in the workplace for everybody punching and working ’til they punch out!

The Difference Between Humor and Comedy

Starting off this discussion, we will differentiate comedy from humor.

• What Is Comedy?

Comedy is a planned performance intended to make people laugh. Comedy amuses and entertains its audience with physical actions, visual gags, and jokes. It is not so much an ingrained quality as it is an artistic form.

Comedy is a skill that anyone can study, hone, and master. While a writer cannot always become good at humor, they can practice and become good at comedy. It’s practically the same way when I was writing my book about limericks and humor.

• What Is Humor?

On the other hand, what humor alludes to is something more fundamental in the characters that fuels their humor. Instead of having an understanding of comedy, characters are said to possess a sense of humor. Both are necessary for writers. The structure, delivery, and resolution of a joke all contribute to its sense of humor.

A writer with a humorous disposition must study their surroundings and look for something humorous that will make readers chuckle. Try reading out some parts from my “Wordle Limericks: Volume 1” because they’re safe to read aloud. They’re also thematic limericks that use a playful fusion of words and art to really captivate readers.

image of two statues in a funny position as one statue points to the other statue’s buttocks revealing the value of humor
Photo by Jon Butterworth

The Importance of Humor: Why Humor in the Workplace is Valuable

Appropriate humor is essential for success in the workplace. Still, chances are your colleagues aren’t regularly making jokes or cleverly presenting information, and your workplace could use a bit more fun.

Here are some reasons as to why workplace humor just works:

  • It will be fun for others to work with you.
  • The power of humor to relieve stress.
  • Humor helps humanize the situations we’re in.
  • Humor aids put other people at ease.
  • Believe it or not, humor helps build our trust in others.
  • If you’re looking to increase morale, humor is there for you.

Humor fosters a positive environment that promotes communication and idea generation. It also nurtures the belief that taking chances when thinking creatively, in general, isn’t as risky as it seems.

The value of humor at work is simply often neglected, which is something we should seriously consider. Once we know the true worth of humor, every office will be livelier.

Are There Ways for Leaders to Endorse a Culture of Humor in the Workplace?

One of the first things you have to keep in mind is that the humor should be consistent with the workplace’s values. Take this as an example: respect is often the number-one value that companies and organizations seriously take into consideration. If a joke is going to be disrespectful, then it’s best not to continue with it.

Building a circle of people leaders can trust makes it easier to cultivate a community of jokesters who won’t disrespect others. Jokesters who also align their humor with the organization’s values.

Doing a bit of research can go a long way, as well. This will help prevent any unnecessary or offensive humor from reaching the office. Some search words that leaders can try are “safe office jokes to tell,” “funny office jokes for coworkers,” and “funny poems to read at work.”

image of people laughing and smiling as they sit in a couch enjoying the value of humor and the fun times it brings
Photo by OurWhisky Foundation

Show the Value of Humor at Work and Make Everyone Happy

Now that you know the real value of having a bit of a laugh in the workplace, it’s time to find ways that will add humor to the office. I suggest starting things off lightly with some funny poems or limericks.

My book, “Wordle Limericks: Volume 1,”

has lots of funny limericks that are safe to read. You can click here to get a copy of my book today and have fun with it for a long time!

Marshall S Flam, MD, is a retired oncologist and hematologist, and the author of "Wordle Limericks: Flamericks." A graduate of MIT, he spent over 40 years in medical practice and education. Flam began crafting limericks in 2022, inspired by his love for the popular game Wordle. This unique collection features 603 limericks, each based on the daily Wordle word, blending humor with insightful commentary. Residing in Fresno, California, and Sun Valley, Idaho, he enjoys tennis, skiing, gourmet cooking, and traveling. Flam is also a proud father of five accomplished daughters and is passionate about sharing laughter through poetry.
Marshall Flam
Latest posts by Marshall Flam (see all)
Share This
Skip to content