No one likes a laugh in the office more than Laughology. After all, we understand how laughter and humour in the workplace connects, engages and motivates people.  

But we also understand that in today’s world, using banter can be like juggling a grenade with the pin pulled out, particularly in large organisations with a cross-section of ethnicities, genders and faiths. 

So, the question is: When does playful banter cross into bullying?

At what point do workplace humour and banter cause anxiety, stress, and isolation? How can it impact wellbeing? 

This workshop explores what’s funny and what’s not and looks at how we can use humour in an inclusive way. It equips teams with ways to use humour constructively while they promote a safe, engaging workplace culture.  

The changing landscape for workplace humour 

Remember the time Paula from accounts took a selfie of her bum, photoshopped eyes on the buttocks and used it as her profile pic on the team’s WhatsApp group? 

“It was only a bit of banter!” she told HR. 

Paula no longer works for this company. Here ends the lesson. 

You see, society is evolving at a head-spinning pace. The need for inclusivity, mutual respect, and kindness is paramount. One person's funny is another person's insult.  

Thankfully, insensitivity, stereotypes and offensive victim-led humour have no place in progressive, forward-looking, inclusive workplaces. Yet some can still cross the line, and this can constitute harassment, breaking workplace policies and potentially the law.   

 This positive shift is driven by a heightened awareness of inclusion, diversity and equity. That’s not to say that banter is dead. It’s still just as important to have a laugh at work, but nowadays, banter is expected to be respectful and considerate, promoting positive interactions among team members. 

So, what’s acceptable and what’s out-of-bounds?  

This is the conundrum many organisations and people are facing as they strive to keep a fun culture in the workplace yet also ensure everyone feels valued and comfortable. It's essential to understand that, while banter can still be playful and light-hearted, it should never come at the expense of someone's feelings or perpetuate harmful biases.  

And with rising workplace disputes around banter, the cost of not addressing this issue could be significant. In our minds, it’s not worth the risk.  

But we know it’s a minefield out there, full of banter-bombs ready to blow up in your face, which is why we’ve cleared a path for you with our new ‘It’s Only Banter’ workshop.