Let’s face it — business can be serious stuff. Targets, meetings, metrics, and that one person who insists on saying “circle back” like they’re being paid per clichĂ©. But here’s the twist: sometimes, the most professional thing you can do
 is laugh.

The Case for a Chuckle

Humour in business isn’t about turning board meetings into stand-up nights (though, imagine the PowerPoint slides!). It’s about connection.
People don’t build relationships with logos or email signatures — they connect with other humans. And humour, when done right, is the universal handshake of “I’m not a robot.”

A little lightheartedness can:

  • Break tension in tough meetings.

  • Build trust and relatability.

  • Make your brand or team memorable.

  • Keep you sane when “the system is down again.”

The Danger Zone

Of course, humour is a bit like hot sauce — too much, or in the wrong context, and you’ll regret it.
What doesn’t work?

  • Jokes that punch down (you’re not a comedian on Twitter).

  • Forced office banter (the kind that makes interns question their life choices).

  • The classic “Dad joke in a boardroom” moment that dies faster than your Wi-Fi mid-Zoom.

The golden rule: laugh with, not at.

Leading with Laughs

Some of the best leaders use humour as a leadership tool. It doesn’t make them less professional — it makes them more approachable.
A well-timed quip during a high-pressure moment can say, “We’ve got this,” better than a dozen corporate emails titled “All Hands Update.”

And if you’re in HR (like some of us), a bit of humour can be the secret weapon to defuse awkwardness, build culture, and help people remember there’s a human behind the policies.

The Verdict

So, is humour appropriate in business?
Absolutely.
Just keep it smart, kind, and context-aware. You’re not auditioning for The Office — you’re creating one people actually enjoy working in.

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