Clinical laboratory managers have the unique responsibility of maintaining high operational standards while ensuring staff well-being. Humor can play a key role here. As Sophie Scott, a neuroscientist at University College London, points out, humor helps new lab members feel comfortable and integrated into the team (Gonzales 2018). When managers use humor to encourage a light-hearted but professional atmosphere, employees are more likely to feel valued and engaged. This can lead to better retention of staff, reduced turnover, and a more positive work environment overall. This is especially important in clinical labs, where precise workflows and clear communication are crucial, and errors can have serious consequences.

Recent research has specifically focused on the role of humor in leadership, emphasizing its potential to boost morale, build trust, and foster a positive workplace culture (Cooper et al., 2018; Kong et al., 2019). Previous meta-analyses, such as that by Mesmer-Magnus et al. (2012), identified that positive humor is linked to improved physical and mental health, reduced workplace stress, and enhanced organizational functioning, although they did not specifically focus on humor in leadership. A Robert Half (2017) survey revealed that 84% of executives believe individuals with a good sense of humor perform better in their roles. However, the nuances of humor’s effects in leadership contexts are complex, as humor can both enhance and detract from leadership effectiveness depending on situational factors (Buchanan, 2018).

While humor has many benefits, it must be used appropriately. Jokes may not always be appropriate in the midst of high-stakes diagnostic work or with newer employees who are still adjusting to the team dynamics. Adam Ruben, a molecular biologist at Sanaria in Rockville, Maryland, notes that while humor can ease tension, young scientists might be perceived as less serious if they rely too much on jokes. Ruben, who does stand-up comedy on the side, chooses to keep humor out of formal scientific talks to avoid detracting from his credibility (Gonzales, 2018). Humor should never undermine professionalism, but when used effectively, it can ease workplace tensions and promote a healthier, more productive environment.

Be sure that humor is used appropriately, and not during formal tasks or procedures. However, the use of educational videos or practice drills may incorporate light-hearted elements that can be helpful in training scenarios. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has utilized this method in training programs by incorporating skits into laboratory safety drills. This method involves staff members acting out key safety protocols in a light-hearted, yet informative way, making the training engaging and memorable. Through the structure of practiced interaction, a skit can help staff retain information, enhance interpersonal communication skills, and simplify complex processes through practicing real-world scenarios (Frish 2019). Such an approach has been well-received, as it not only enhances learning but also strengthens team dynamics and reduces distress that may occur in employees (León-Pérez, J. M, 2021).

For clinical settings, skits should maintain a balance between engaging employees and reinforcing the importance of accuracy, safety, and professionalism. Example training topics for skits could include lab safety protocols demonstrating how to handle spills or accidents and proper sample handling showing the right and wrong way to receive, handle and store samples. For clinical laboratory managers looking to strategically introduce light-hearted elements into the lab, here are a few books dedicated to humor in the workplace:

“The Humor Code: A Global Search for What Makes Things Funny” by Peter McGraw and Joel Warner – This book has been well-received for its engaging blend of research and storytelling. Readers appreciate its exploration of humor across cultures and its practical applications. It’s often cited in discussions about humor and business.

“The Levity Effect: Why It Pays to Lighten Up” by Adrian Gostick and Scott Christopher – This book is popular in the business community for its actionable insights on using humor to improve workplace morale and productivity. Many readers have found its concepts easy to implement, and it is frequently recommended for leaders and managers.

Humor, Seriously: Why Humor is a Secret Weapon in Business and Life by Jennifer Aaker and Naomi Bagdonas argues that humor is a powerful tool in the workplace, enhancing leadership, productivity, and relationships, while offering practical strategies to incorporate levity in professional settings.

“Funny Business: Harnessing the Power of Humor in the Workplace” by Ellen Frish – This book has received positive feedback for its practical tips and relatable anecdotes. Readers appreciate its straightforward approach to using humor effectively in business settings.

“Laughter at Work: How to Achieve a Positive Workplace Culture” by Peter J. H. L. Groenewegen – This book has been generally well-received for its focus on creating a positive workplace culture through humor, although it may not be as widely known as some others.

For lab managers seeking to enhance team dynamics and workplace morale without delving extensively into the aforementioned literature, here are a few notable strategies to consider:

Use Humor in Communication:

• Integrate appropriate humor into emails, presentations, and team meetings to enhance engagement (McGraw & Warner 2014).
• Share funny anecdotes or relevant memes that relate to laboratory work, science, or healthcare to lighten the mood.

Model Humor as a Leader:

• Use self-deprecating humor appropriately to demonstrate humility and approachability (Groenewegen 2016).
• Share light-hearted moments from your own experiences to encourage openness among staff.

Create a Humorous Environment:

• Decorate the lab or break areas with humorous science-related posters or comics to keep the atmosphere light (McGraw & Warner 2014).
• Encourage staff to bring in humorous and workplace-appropriate items that can be displayed, promoting a fun workspace.

• Ensure that all humor is respectful and inclusive, considering diverse backgrounds and sensitivities (Aaker & Bagdonas 2021).

Utilize Humor to Relieve Stress:

• Introduce humor breaks during particularly stressful periods, allowing staff to relax and recharge (Gostick & Christopher).

Encourage team members to share funny stories or experiences as a way to decompress. Maybe you share your weekly photos of your pets on Friday.

Encourage Creative Problem-Solving:

• Use humor to promote innovative thinking; challenge teams to brainstorm creative solutions in a fun and relaxed setting (Frish 2019).
• Organize brainstorming sessions that incorporate playful elements to stimulate creativity.

Seek Feedback on Humor Use:

• Regularly solicit feedback from team members about the use of humor in the workplace and adjust approaches as needed (Groenewegen 2016).

Also, we can’t forget about Medical Laboratory Professionals Week. Do you have a fun lab tradition, like dressing up, fun trivia games, or fun awards day? Maybe you have a bulletin board that highlights a humorous science comic each month. You can always print out a cartoon or meme from WSLH Proficiency Testing’s monthly newsletter, The MedLab Retriever, for inspiration. These activities create opportunities for bonding and make the workplace more enjoyable.

Integrating humor into the clinical laboratory environment offers a unique and effective approach to enhancing both employee well-being and overall performance. By fostering a light-hearted atmosphere, laboratory managers can create a supportive culture that encourages open communication, reduces stress, and strengthens team cohesion. As evidenced by research and successful practices in various settings, humor can serve as a valuable management tool that not only makes the workplace more enjoyable but also leads to improved job satisfaction and retention rates. As clinical laboratories continue to navigate the demands of precision and accuracy, embracing humor as a strategic component of workplace culture may be a key to unlocking greater creativity and collaboration among staff, ultimately benefiting the quality of scientific outcomes.

References

Aaker, J., & Bagdonas, N. (2021). Humor, seriously: Why humor is a secret weapon in business and life. Currency.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Training and educational materials for laboratory safety and quality. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/labs/safety-training.html

Collins, W. (2007, May 31). Humor in laboratory management (Seriously!) Lab Manager. https://www.labmanager.com/humor-in-laboratory-management-seriously-21147

Frish, E. (2019). Funny business: Harnessing the power of humor in the workplace. Business Expert Press.

González, H. (2018). The lab is sometimes a silly place—and perhaps it should be. Nature, 555(7698), 689-691. https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-018-03802-4

Gostick, A., & Christopher, S. (2008). The levity effect: Why it pays to lighten up. Wiley.

Groenewegen, P. J. H. L. (2016). Laughter at work: How to achieve a positive workplace culture. Bloomsbury Publishing.

Kong D. T., Cooper C. D., Sosik J. J. (2019). The state of research on leader humor. Organ. Psychol. Rev. 9 3–40. 10.1177/2041386619846948 [DOI] [Google Scholar]

León-Pérez, J. M., Cantero-Sánchez, F. J., Fernández-Canseco, Á., & León-Rubio, J. M. (2021). Effectiveness of a humor-based training for reducing employees’ distress. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(21), 11177. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182111177

McGraw, P., & Warner, J. (2014). The humor code: A global search for what makes things funny. Simon & Schuster.

Mesmer-Magnus, J. R., Glew, D. J., & Viswesvaran, C. (2012). A meta-analysis of positive humor in the workplace. Journal of Managerial Psychology, 27(2), 155–190. https://doi.org/10.1108/02683941211199554

Sullivan, K. (2022). The impact of stress on laboratory professionals. *Clinical Laboratory News*. Retrieved from [Clinical Laboratory News](https://www.aacc.org/publications/cln)