Teaching Reflection: The Function of Humor in Organizations & Its Benefits

This week in class we discussed humor in organizations and its functions and I found it to be very interesting! Something about workplace humor has always been fascinating to me as it is, in a way, a form of coping that trauma bonded co-workers utilize to make the daily grind a tad bit easier. Eeeeek, it is sad but true!🤣

I would like to utilize this teaching reflection to focus specifically on the function and benefits of humor between co-workers specifically as opposed to work leadership, management, etc.

Humor between co-workers is often used as a way to make sense of events or problems in the workplace that often do not get spoken about to or would not make sense to management or supervisors. "Co-worker humor" is a key element in group cohesiveness and can add to the culture of a workplace.

Co-workers often joke around as a way to build camaraderie, relieve stress, and create a more positive and enjoyable work environment. Humor in the workplace can also be used as a coping mechanism and a way to break the ice in professional settings. Joking around can help foster a sense of belonging and can improve overall morale in the workplace. However, it is important to be mindful of the context and ensure that humor is inclusive and respectful to all colleagues as humor can be divisive in the workplace as well.

112 Funniest Coworker Memes Guaranteed To Make You Laugh

Funny Work Cartoons to Get Through the Week | Reader's Digest

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It is hard to think of humor as being a bad thing because it is thought of as an inherently positive tool to communicate and connect with others, right? Well, the truth is that despite all of the wonderful things humor does do, there are definitely some dangers and pitfalls. The following are a list of the dangers of humor: - Humor can be used as an unhealthy mechanism to cope. While humor does have the ability to aid in the healing process (I can personally attest to this and am studying this for my final project), it definitely has the ability to be used as an unhealthy crutch. Instead of seeking actual help for whatever may be causing conflict in one's life, many will utilize humor as a way to hide or disguise how they actually feel and will use it as a mask to make others believe that they are okay, when, in reality, they are struggling and need help. - Humor can serve as an aggressor towards other people. Disparaging comments, insults, and teasing, can lend to creating uncomf...

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