Using Humor to Drive Team Engagement and Performance
How strategic humor creates trust, sparks contribution, and elevates results
Why humor is a leader’s untapped engagement advantage
Employee engagement is one of the most critical drivers of business performance and one of the hardest to sustain. Many leaders look to technology or incentives to close the engagement gap, but one of the most effective tools is entirely human: humor. Used thoughtfully, humor creates connection, increases participation, and improves day-to-day performance. (Related reading: Why humor builds instant connection in business and leadership.)
“When you use humor strategically, you’re not just getting a laugh — you’re creating a moment of connection that tells people, ‘You’re safe here. You can contribute.’ That’s the foundation of engagement.” – Beth Sherman
Why engagement matters for business outcomes
Engaged employees are more productive, loyal, and innovative. In an era of hybrid work and rapid change, sustaining engagement requires more than announcements or dashboards. It requires authentic human connection that people can feel. (Also see: Why humor is a leadership skill every smart leader needs.)
“Disengagement doesn’t always look like someone slacking off. Sometimes it’s someone who’s still showing up, still doing their job, but they’ve stopped bringing their ideas. Humor can reopen that door.” – Beth Sherman
Humor as a catalyst for psychological safety
Light, respectful humor lowers perceived risk. When leaders show measured self-awareness and warmth, they signal that it is safe to contribute ideas, ask questions, and learn publicly. That psychological safety translates into higher participation and stronger collaboration.
“Humor works like a pressure valve. When people feel tense or afraid to speak up, a moment of levity can shift the atmosphere enough for them to share what they’re really thinking.” – Beth Sherman
Practical ways leaders can use humor to boost engagement
1. Open meetings with a relatable observation
Acknowledge a shared, low-stakes reality to put people at ease and set a constructive tone. (Related reading: How to add humor to your presentation without adding jokes.)
“It doesn’t have to be clever. It just has to be real and human. That’s what people respond to.” – Beth Sherman
2. Celebrate small wins with a light touch
Reinforce desired behaviors by marking progress with warmth so wins are memorable and repeatable. (More on recognition and development: Benefits of workshops for employees: Run effective training sessions.)
3. Use humor to reduce tension
During complex discussions, a brief, relevant moment of levity can reset energy and keep conversations productive.
(Explore further: Why humor builds instant connection in business and leadership)
4. Model self-awareness
Leaders who can smile at their own minor missteps make it easier for others to take smart risks and learn quickly.
“When a leader can acknowledge something small they missed and do it with a sense of humor, it tells everyone else they don’t have to be perfect to contribute.” – Beth Sherman
The ROI of humor-driven engagement
Organizations see clearer ideas in meetings, more cross-team collaboration, higher retention, and more momentum on strategic priorities. Humor, when aligned with values and context, acts as a force multiplier for leadership impact. (Explore further: Why leadership communication and emotional intelligence is the must-have topic for 2026 conferences.)
“The ROI on humor isn’t just about morale. It’s about ideas moving faster, decisions being made with better input, and teams actually wanting to contribute at their highest level.” – Beth Sherman
Integrating humor into your leadership style
This is not about punchlines; it is about presence. Treat humor as a communication tool that humanizes you and encourages contribution. Small, consistent moments build trust and performance over time.
Ready to equip your leaders with humor that boosts engagement and drives team performance?
Beth Sherman is a comedian, 7-time Emmy Award-winning comedy writer and keynote speaker who helps leaders and teams use humor as a tool for connection, persuasion, and performance, delivering programs that are as actionable as they are engaging.
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