Is humour the best medicine vs stress at work? Majority says it is

Nearly seven in 10 workers said jokes can reduce burnout.

For some, jokes in the workplace could be distracting but for the majority of Singaporean workers, encouraging jokes with colleagues can reduce burnout and stress.

According to the results from a Milieu Insight Study, 70% of employees agree that workplaces that promote humour are more resilient in stressful situations. Whilst 12% strongly agree and only 2% disagree.

Asked about the benefits of cultivating humour in the office, the majority (67%) of Singaporeans said it reduces feelings of burnout and stress and creates improved relationships with their boss and colleagues.

More than five in 10 respondents said humour enhances team building and positive norms in the office.

Almost six in 10 workers said leaders showing humour at work are “likeable” whilst 9% said funny leaders are respectable and 6% said these types of leaders are smart.

The study polled 6,000 employees across Southeast Asia on their overall perspective on humour at the workplace.

But Milieu Insight reminded workers that humour starts with being able to laugh at oneself and use it intelligently and selectively whilst remaining focused on goals.