The workplace The workplace By Susan Voelkel Throughout recorded history, man has been aware that only humans really laugh. And they have rejoiced in the ability. Poets, playwrights, politicians, professors, psychiatrists, philanderers and philanthropists, too. Entertainers capitalize on our sense of humor. We almost all enjoy a good joke.
Laughter makes life lighter.
But somehow in the workplace, clowning is often rewarded with a frown. The office buffoon may be overlooked when promotion time comes because laughter is considered a time-waster. Well, here's a real illustration of the value of research. Given the fact that corproations have believed for decades that satisfied employees are more productive, it's a little surprising that it has taken so many companies so long to discover that helping the employees to laugh can increase job satisfaction. In a work envirenment, humor can ce a survival tool.