The Superhuman Framework: How Humor Can Make Your Company Culture Healthier

Humor. Yep, that’s what we’re talking about today. It might sound like an odd focus for The Superhuman Framework conversations we're having about organizational health, team-building, and leadership. But I promise you—it’s as essential as anything else when it comes to creating a work culture that doesn’t just survive but thrives. Think about it: we spend so much time at work, tackling deadlines, handling stress, and pushing toward big goals. Without a bit of humor to lighten things up, the grind can get, well, grinding.

☀️ Go Deeper: What Is The Superhuman Framework?

In a recent chat with my friend Chris Carolan, we dug into why humor matters so much in the workplace and how it’s more than just cracking jokes—it’s about creating an environment where people feel safe, connected, and ready to take on whatever the day throws at them. Humor is that secret ingredient that keeps things balanced, brings teams together, and reminds us we’re all human, even on those high-stakes days.

☝️ Watch our entire conversation! ☝️

In this conversation, Chris and I unpacked some key ideas around humor, like:

• Why Humor Matters in the Workplace: We explore how humor strengthens team culture, creating an environment where people feel supported, engaged, and ready to tackle challenges together.

• Positive Humor vs. Forced Humor: Not all humor is created equal. We break down the difference and talk about why the right kind of humor brings people together while the wrong kind can push them apart.

• How to Incorporate Humor into Your Day-to-Day: From light-hearted meetings to team-building moments, we cover practical ways to bring humor into your work culture in a way that feels authentic.

• Humor as a Stress-Reliever and Energy Booster: We explore how a good laugh can reduce stress, boost energy, and keep the team motivated—even on those long days.

• Creating a Safe Space for Humor: We discuss the importance of psychological safety and how to create an environment where people feel comfortable sharing a laugh without fear.

By the time we’re done, you’ll have a toolkit of ideas for bringing a bit more joy and connection into your work environment. So, if you’re ready to see how a little laughter can go a long way, let’s jump in!

Yes, You Can (+ Should) Laugh at Work

Humor, my friends, is like the oil that keeps the gears turning within your teams—it helps things run smoother, makes those daily interactions a little more enjoyable, and lets people connect on a real, human level. When your team can share a laugh, they’re not just clocking in and out; they’re showing up for each other. They’re better equipped to handle stress, take risks, and support each other through the highs and lows.

Humor creates a safe space—when people feel free to laugh together, they also feel safer sharing ideas, asking questions, and owning up to mistakes. Humor brings out that “we’re all in this together” vibe that builds trust. It’s like knocking down those invisible walls we sometimes put up at work. When people feel they belong, they’re more willing to show up fully—they’ll bring their best ideas, their creativity, and a real willingness to collaborate.

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And don’t get me started on balance!

Just kidding, we're talking about balance. Because we’ve all had those days—the ones where the work just keeps piling up and the stress is coming at you from all sides. You can use humor as a leader like your own emergency pressure release valve, giving everyone a second to breathe and reset. In doing so, you're not downplaying the hard stuff or critical conversations; all you're doing in those moments is honoring that we’re all human. Sometimes we just need a moment to laugh it off before we get back in the game.

When humor is part of your culture, it creates an environment where people don’t just show up to get the job done—they show up because they’re engaged, connected, and actually want to be there. And that kind of energy? It’s contagious. You’ll see it in your people they approach their work, how they collaborate, and the results they are capable of achieving together.

Now, Leaders, Ask Yourself:

• Am I modeling the kind of humor I want to see in the team? – Think about how you present humor. Are you showing that it’s okay to laugh and be yourself, or are you sending the message that work has to be all business, all the time?

• Do I create an environment where people feel safe enough to be light-hearted? – Consider if your team feels psychologically safe to joke around, share stories, or even admit mistakes without fear. Humor and trust go hand in hand.

• How do I react when things go wrong? – When mistakes happen, is there room for humor, or is the reaction tense and stressful? Lightening up in challenging moments can go a long way in showing your team that it’s okay to learn and grow without judgment.

• Do I see humor as a valuable part of team culture, or just as an extra? – Think about how you view humor’s role in your team. Embracing humor as a tool for connection, rather than something “extra,” helps create a more engaging, resilient work culture.

Positive Humor vs. Forced Humor (You've Gotta Know the Difference) 

As a leader, authentic, situationally aware humor can be a superpower at work. But like Uncle Ben taught us all, this superpower also comes with great responsibility. That's why you need to know the difference of when your humor is a positive vs. a forced standup routine no one asked for ... or wants.

Positive humor is the kind that brings people together, lifts spirits, and makes the team feel like they’re all on the same page. It feels tuned in to the moment, aware of context, and unifying mechanism. It’s the kind that includes everyone and makes people feel comfortable and seen. It’s that light-hearted shared experience where everyone’s chuckling, maybe sharing a relatable story, or throwing out a funny idea in a brainstorming session. 

Humor as the Ultimate Stress Reliever + Energy Booster

I know I'm not exactly blowing anyone's mind out there when I say that work can be stressful, right? And that's particularly true if you're in a leadership position. Deadlines, high expectations, juggling multiple projects—it’s enough to make anyone’s head spin. And that's where your funny bone can once again be an asset to you. Humor is one of the best tools we have for managing stress. It’s like hitting the reset button. When we laugh, even just for a moment, it’s like we’re giving our minds a break from all the chaos.

Humor has this incredible way of shifting our focus. When things get intense, a quick laugh can pull us out of “panic mode” and remind us that, at the end of the day, we’re all human, doing our best. It doesn’t make the challenges go away, but it makes them feel more manageable. Laughter gives us a moment to breathe, to reset, and to come back with a clearer head.

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And it’s not just about individuals—it’s about the whole team. When a group can laugh together, even during stressful times, it builds a sense of camaraderie. It says, “We’re all in this together.” When your team feels that shared connection, they’re more likely to tackle the tough stuff with energy and resilience, knowing they’ve got each other’s backs. Humor, when used thoughtfully, becomes a kind of glue that holds everyone together, even when the pressure’s on.

So, the next time things get tense, don’t be afraid to break the ice with a little humor. It’s not about ignoring the serious work at hand; it’s about showing that even in high-stakes moments, there’s room for humanity, lightness, and connection.

Now, Leaders, Ask Yourself:

• Do I use humor to help my team manage stress? – Reflect on whether you bring humor into tense situations. Are you able to lighten the mood when needed, or does stress dominate the atmosphere?

• Am I encouraging a culture where it’s okay to laugh, even on tough days? – Think about the example you’re setting. Do you show that it’s okay to find moments of lightness, even when things are busy or intense?

• How do I respond to stress personally? – Consider if you’re modeling healthy stress management for your team. Are you using humor to take the edge off, or do you carry stress without release?

• Does my team feel they can laugh and let go, even when the pressure’s on? – Evaluate whether you’re creating an environment where people feel comfortable finding those moments of relief, without feeling guilty or judged.

Maintaining Professional Boundaries with Humor

Now, let’s talk about the flip side of humor—knowing where to draw the line. Humor can be a powerful tool for connection, but without boundaries, it can easily cross into uncomfortable territory. In a work environment, not every joke is a good joke. Professional boundaries are key to making sure that humor adds to the culture, rather than detracting from it.

A healthy workplace humor is one that’s respectful, inclusive, and mindful of different perspectives. The best kind of humor at work doesn’t push people’s buttons or make them feel singled out. Instead, it brings everyone in and makes them feel like they’re part of something positive. And trust me, there’s plenty of room for fun without stepping on any toes. You don’t need edgy jokes or sarcasm to build a culture where people can laugh together.

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One simple rule: if there’s even a question of whether a joke might cross a line, it’s probably best to skip it. In a diverse workplace, people have different backgrounds, sensitivities, and experiences, so it’s important to respect that. Humor should lift people up, not make them feel uncomfortable or out of place.

Setting boundaries around humor also means being aware of timing. There’s a time for jokes, and there’s a time to get serious. Knowing the difference shows that you respect the team and the work they’re doing. When you balance humor with professionalism, you create an environment where people feel safe, valued, and able to have fun without worrying about crossing lines.

Now, Leaders, Ask Yourself:

• Am I mindful of professional boundaries with my humor? – Reflect on whether your humor respects the diverse perspectives in your workplace. Are you ensuring that humor is constructive and inclusive?

• Do I consider the timing and context of my humor? – Think about whether you’re using humor at the right moments. Are you aware of when humor is helpful versus when it might be distracting or inappropriate?

• Is my humor lifting people up or putting anyone down? – Consider the impact of your jokes and funny moments. Are they encouraging a positive environment, or could they potentially make someone feel uncomfortable?

• Do I model respect in my humor? – Reflect on whether you’re setting an example with your humor. Are you showing that humor can be fun, inclusive, and respectful all at the same time?

Encouraging Humor as a Core Part of Team Culture

If you want humor to be part of your team culture, it’s got to be baked in. Humor shouldn’t just be a one-off thing or something that happens only at the annual holiday party. When humor becomes a core part of the culture, it’s something people bring into their day-to-day interactions, making work feel a little less like “work” and more like a shared journey.

The best way to encourage humor is to create a culture where people feel free to be themselves. When people don’t have to wear a “professional mask” all the time, they’re more relaxed, more engaged, and way more likely to bring their natural sense of humor into the mix. Think about it—when people are comfortable, humor just flows. It’s authentic, and it makes everyone feel like they’re part of something a little bigger than just a job.

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Encouraging humor doesn’t mean turning the workplace into a comedy club, but it does mean showing that laughter is welcome. Whether it’s through light-hearted check-ins, team-building activities that are actually fun, or simply giving people room to share funny moments, there are countless ways to make humor a natural part of your team’s DNA.

And remember, humor starts at the top. If you want a culture where people feel free to laugh, connect, and be themselves, they need to see you doing it first. Show your team that humor isn’t just okay—it’s encouraged. When leaders embrace humor in an authentic way, it gives the whole team permission to do the same. It’s about creating an environment where laughter is part of the rhythm of the workday, and where people feel that they’re more than just cogs in a machine.

Now, Leaders, Ask Yourself:

• Am I actively encouraging humor as part of our team culture? – Reflect on how you’re creating a space for humor. Are you making it clear that laughter and connection are important to you and to the team?

• Do I lead by example when it comes to humor? – Think about whether you’re showing the team that it’s okay to be themselves and bring their authentic sense of humor to work. Are you comfortable sharing a laugh yourself?

• Are there regular opportunities for light-hearted team interactions? – Consider if you’re intentionally creating moments for humor, whether it’s in team-building activities, meetings, or casual interactions. Are you fostering a culture where humor isn’t just a “nice extra,” but part of the everyday experience?

• Do I recognize and value humor as a form of connection? – Reflect on how you view humor within the team. Are you seeing it as a tool that brings people together and strengthens bonds, or is it something that happens only when “work is done”?

Let Humor Be Your Secret Weapon as a Leader

Humor is a tool, a connector, and, let’s be honest, a bit of a secret weapon in building a workplace where people actually want to be. When you create an environment where humor flows naturally, you’re not just making work more enjoyable; you’re fostering a culture of resilience, creativity, and genuine connection.

Think of humor as the thread that ties everything together. It’s what makes people feel safe enough to speak up, brave enough to take risks, and connected enough to go the extra mile for each other. A workplace with humor at its core is a place where people feel seen, valued, and ready to bring their full selves to the table.

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So here’s my challenge to you: take one step today to bring a little more laughter into your team. Maybe it’s letting yourself laugh at your own mistakes, setting aside time for a light-hearted team check-in, or simply encouraging your team to share a funny story.

However you do it, make it real, make it inclusive, and make it something that lifts people up. And if you need any help bringing the right kind of humor into your organization, then I’m here to help. Whether it’s through the Beyond Your Default community, the upcoming Superhuman Framework course, or just some good old-fashioned conversation, let’s make it happen.