A good laugh extends the working life : A qualitative study about how humour is used in the workplace and how it leads to inclusion and exclusion.

This paper aims to examine further how and when the phenomenon of humour is used in the workplace and how it leads to inclusion and exclusion. Since the middle of the 20th century, research has repeatedly shown the positive impact of humour on individuals' health and performance at work. Humour has a dual function as both an including and excluding practice, and it has the potential to both maintain and challenge relationships and group cohesion. The findings suggest that humour has a central and essential role in the workplace. With the help of humour, one can approach challenging situations, whether it is about the first meeting with strangers or dealing with conflicts. The findings also suggest how humour can make social structures and norms visible that strive to preserve the group culture and the social order. This paper concludes that when group members become aware of those standards, they could re-evaluate if it appears offensive and exclusive. With this study, we want to make organizations in Sweden aware of the positive effects of humour on working life and its prominent place on the organizational management's agenda.