Make Clear That It’s Inappropriate to Joke at Work
Explicitly banning humor at work can drive away employees who value fun and lightness. In the example, a woman with a 'Yellow' personality type leaves a consulting firm for this reason.
THE IDEA
Make Clear That It’s Inappropriate to Joke at Work
“No joking around and no sense of humor? Is this a funeral parlor?” I once got exactly that comment from a Yellow who discovered that consultants didn’t have time to monkey about. She was very stressed out by all the seriousness and left before her probation period was over.
When to use it
When setting guidelines for workplace communication in conservative industries like law or finance.
When dealing with sensitive topics where humor might be misinterpreted.
When leading a team that includes individuals with varying preferences for workplace formality.
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
The Departure of a Fun-Loving Employee
A new hire with a 'Yellow' personality type (fun-loving and humorous) joined a consulting firm where jokes were discouraged. She felt stressed by the serious atmosphere and left within her probation period.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of maintaining a strictly professional, joke-free work environment?
How can managers accommodate different personality types without compromising on professionalism?
In what situations might a no-joking policy be appropriate, and when might it be counterproductive?
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- Surrounded By Idiots (Thomas Erikson)