Humour: the secret weapon for better work relationships (even if you think you’re not funny) - with Adam Christing

In this episode of Change Work Life, host Jeremy Klein welcomes Adam Christing, keynote speaker and author of The Laughter Factor, to explore how humor can be a powerful, underutilized tool for building trust, connection, and psychological safety in the workplace. Christing argues that humor is not just about being funny—it's a biological and evolutionary trait rooted in human bonding, with the ability to reduce stress, improve collaboration, and enhance productivity. He emphasizes that everyone has a natural 'laugh language'—a personal style of humor that reflects their innate sense of what’s funny—and that authenticity is key. Rather than mimicking comedians, professionals should identify their own humor style and use it to create inclusive, shared moments. Practical strategies include being an 'orchestrator of fun' by creating safe spaces for laughter, using self-effacing humor to build rapport, and embracing improvisation with the 'yes, and' mindset. Christing also addresses the challenges of remote work, offering tips like using Zoom to spotlight individuals and leveraging visual cues to foster connection. The episode concludes with a strong call to action: experiment, practice in low-stakes environments, and lead with joy to bring more life to work.