Humor in human resource development (HRD) and training is a valuable teaching tool for establishing a climate conducive to adult learning for new employees. This study looks at how using humor can enhance the effectiveness of adult learning with today’s students in the classroom as well as the workplace. Opportunities to incorporate humor in the classroom can take many forms.

1. Using Humor in HRD & Training
Larry D. Weas, Ed. D. Program
Counseling, Adult & Higher Education, College of Education, Northern Illinois University
Understanding the Importance of Healthy
Introduction Workplace Humor as a Tool to Develop The Study
As the old saying goes, laughter is the best medicine Positive Relationships Humor in Human Resource Development (HRD) and Training is a
•Workplaces that encourage Laughter have happier, healthier and valuable teaching tool for establishing a training classroom climate
conducive to corporate learning for new employees.
more productive workers and, as a result, see an increase in profit and
results. … so, how can we as educators, trainers, and practitioners Various findings contained in this research identifies:
•Relationships, rapport, cooperation, influence and staff development use humor in the classroom to enhance the effectiveness of •Opportunities for incorporating Humor into the training classroom.
can all be enhanced by the appropriate use of humor.
adult learning in today’s students? •The physical and psychological effects and impact of Humor on
•Humor creates a pleasant working environment, motivates employees, learning outcomes.
decrease anxiety and stress, boosts morale, increase creativity, and
enhances problem-solving skills. •Appropriate use of Humor in training today’s employees in the
classroom as well as the workplace.
1. Release endorphins
into the brain so that pain 2. Trigger health
can be reduced, and people by stimulating the immune
appear happily distracted system and connecting mind
from difficult situations. and body exchanges in
positive and healthier ways.
The approach The results
Guidelines & Obstacles Physically & Psychologically
While Humor can be a great tool for improving productivity and Using Humor in the workplace contributes to employees and
relationships, inappropriate jokes and comments will do the opposite. employers both physically and psychologically. Laughter and
The following will ensure that humor influences the workplace positively: Humor increases the immune system response, cardiovascular
strength, relaxation, muscle tone, decrease muscle tension and pain,
•Humor should always make people feel good, happy, relaxed and and speeds recovery.
accepted.
It also has the power to…
•Humor should poke fun of situations, not people.
•increase motivation and energy.
•Humor should never be about a persons’ appearance, religion, ethnic •increase socialization.
background, or sexuality.
•improve concentration and memory.
•Humor has very little to do with practical jokes—they usually make
people feel bad and separate them from the “group.”
4. Alter chemicals •enhance creativity.
within the brain, in ways that 3. Increase relaxation •reduce emotional anxiety and aggression.
•Humor should not be used to make complaints about your workplace,
or insult bosses or colleagues. reduce stress, lift emotions through added oxygen to the •nurture self-esteem.
and contribute to and sustain brain, better air exchange
a sense of well being. and fuel for deeper thought
or learning.
The culture The benefits
Incorporating Humor Humor, Laughter & Productivity
Laughter & productivity
Here are some suggestions on how organizations can incorporate Additionally, Humor can benefit employees because Laughter
Humor in the workplace—these are merely suggestions and should be releases endorphins that can reduce stress, create a sense of well-
used to help managers develop their own fun activities that fit the being, and makes you feel more alert.
culture of their specific organization and management style:
•Humor can help people think more creatively. If an employee is
•Create a humor bulletin board. Research recommends humor to (1) release stuck on a problem, a good laugh can help them clear their mind of any
negative thoughts and return to the issue with a fresh positive outlook.
•Create a humor break “Quiet” room. endorphins, (2) trigger health, (3) increase
•Create a tension release area. •People with a good sense of humor are better communicators and
relaxation, and (4) alter brain chemicals in team players.
•Have FUN dress-up days.
the direction of winning. How so…? •Humor builds self-confidence, makes people less afraid to make
•Give Gag Gifts and Fun Awards.
mistakes, and helps people regroup from negative events.
•Laugh at yourself.
•Find humor in everyday situations.
•Be aware of cultural differences.
The goal in researching humor in HRD and training is to look at organizations,
managers, and employees with a heightened understanding of the importance of
fostering and incorporating appropriate humor in the workplace.