Is a fun workplace really that big a deal?

It's a question I get all the time, and it's a fair question.I'm an advocate for workplace happiness, both on human and businessgrounds. But isn't workplace happiness just abunch of BS some back-rubbing, bongo-drum-banging, “incense” using,1960's corporate burnouts came up with to make themselves feelbetter?

Well, no.

Depending how well I know the one who just posed the “is itreally that big a deal question,” I might ask them if they prefer amiserable one. Or if given they choice they'd rather feel despairat work rather than a sense of fun. I'm not trying to be asmart-ass, but it's really not all that complicated when you thinkabout it.

Think about it this way. Michael Kerr, author of TheHumor Advantage: Why Some Businesses are Laughing all the Way tothe Bank, says the humor at a given workplace depends almostentirely on that organization's culture.

“In workplaces that encourage people to be themselves–thatare less hierarchical and more innovative–people tend to be moreopen with their humor,” he says. “Even people who aren'talways comfortable sharing their humor tend to do so in morerelaxed environments where the use of humor becomes second naturewith everyone's style.”

Kerr goes on to say that several — or was it dozens? — ofsurveys suggest that humor is one of many keys to success. Forexample, a Robert Half International survey found that 91% ofcurrent executives believe a sense of humor is important for careeradvancement. 84% believe that people with a good sense of humor doa better job. Bell Leadership Institute conducted a study and oneof the findings was that the two most important traits in leaderswere a great work ethic and a good sense of humor.

“At an organizational level, some organizations are tappinginto what I'd call 'the humor advantage,'” Kerr says.“Companies such as Zappos and Southwest Airlines have usedhumor and a positive fun culture to help brand their business,attract and retain employees and to attract customers.”

Lynn Taylor, author of Tame Your Terrible OfficeTyrant, suggests that humor shows that one has the“maturity and the ability to see the forest through thetrees….You don't have to be a stand-up comedian,” she adds,“but well-placed humor that is cleverand apropos to a business situation alwaysenhances an employee's career.”

And here some of you thought I was making all this stuff up. I'msecretly far nerdier about this stuff than youknow. If I get one more nasty email about culture and workplacehappiness being a load of bunk, I'm going to have to go allacademic on you. And it won't be pretty. I've got oodles ofresearch bombs and I'm not afraid to use them.

Practically speaking though, what does it matter? Why are humorand fun a big deal? I'm so glad you asked.

1. Humor is human. Seriously. (See what Idid there?)

2. If you're halfway fun to be around, it reduces thelikelihood that people will hate working with you.

3. It can really help alleviate workplacestress.

4. Humor has ties to creativity. Having agood time allows you to have fun with ideas. You can bat themaround. Suggest things you otherwise wouldn't. Not worry so muchabout what others may think of an idea. It relaxes you andencourages you to make associations you otherwise may nothave.

Read Matt Monge's complete list of reasons why humor matters.