Every office has that co-worker who thinks they’re a comedian and while they may be annoying to you, it seems bosses may actually like it.
A new survey by AccounTemps finds that 78% of CFOs believe a sense of humor is important for fitting into a company’s corporate culture. Overall, 56% say it’s somewhat important, while 22% consider it very important.
Of course, having a sense of humor is one thing, taking that humor a step too far is another. Tips for properly incorporating your sense of humor into the office include:
Show your personality – Adding a bit of wit and humor into conversations with colleagues can help build chemistry within the office. It’s even appropriate in job interviews, which may help alleviate any nerves.Consider the circumstance – Timing is everything, so in the right situation a quick one liner can ease some tension, but read the room, sometimes a joke can be a distraction in a serious situation.Use the right medium – A joke in an email or instant message may seem funny, but when folks can’t see your facial expressions they may not realize you aren’t being serious. Laugh with them, not at them - Don’t be demeaning to others with your jokes, which can be considered offensive. It’s one thing to poke fun at yourself, but when you joke about others you run the risk of insulting someone if they don’t have your sense of humor.Keep it G-rated – Remember this is the office, so stay away from cracks that may make someone feel uncomfortable.