The Conversation just dropped an article that might sting a little if you’re the “funny one” at work. It turns out, trying to crack jokes around the office comes with some serious risks — and the bad often outweighs the good.
On the bright side: if you’re good at it, humor can make you seem more confident and competent. It can even help you connect with coworkers and lighten the mood. But when a joke bombs? The fallout hits harder than you’d think.
👉 The two big risks of workplace humor:
- You can end up looking less credible.
- You might lose respect from coworkers.
Researchers say a good work joke usually has two ingredients: it’s unexpected or “rule-breaking” in a playful way, and it still feels harmless. Too safe = boring. Too edgy = offensive. And unfortunately, women are often judged more harshly when a joke misses the mark.
Even when humor does work, it can still backfire. One study found bosses who joke too much end up creating pressure for their employees to always laugh — which can cause burnout. 🥴
So what’s the takeaway? If you’ve got a natural gift for timing and wit, keep it up. But if you’re forcing it, maybe save the stand-up routine for after hours. Because at work, a good joke might get a laugh . . . but a bad one could get you a write-up.
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