Workplace Humor Done Right

“Laughing releases tension and creates a feeling of camaraderie and connection among people,” explains Mark Chalfant, artistic and executive director of the Washington Improv Theater in Washington, DC. “When people feel closer to one another, it's a lot easier and more pleasant to work together. Plus, if you make everyone laugh, maybe they will forget that you took the last glazed doughnut at the team meeting.”

You don’t have to be a candidate for “Last Comic Standing” to make humor work for you. Much of what makes people laugh isn’t snappy one-liners, but cogent observations through a slightly twisted lens or making light of the obvious absurdities of life.

Here's some advice from Monster on how to get your office funny on -- and humor to avoid.