The latest Laughology webinar, titled “It’s Only Banter” and led by Lead Happiness Consultant Sarah Creegan, was one of the most popular and successful webinars this year.
With over 350 individuals registering for the November session, the event struck a chord with many, addressing the complex and often misunderstood role of humour in the workplace. This timely webinar navigated the fine line between banter and bullying, a topic that resonates in today’s shifting cultural landscape.
The session posed critical questions: Is banter acceptable, or does it risk turning workplaces into toxic environments? If we don’t have any banter, do workplaces become humourless and dull places to be? At Laughology, banter is seen as “verbal tickling,” yet the boundaries of what is acceptable are continuously evolving. The webinar sparked a significant debate.
HR professionals, often cautious, struggle to balance maintaining a vibrant company culture but are aware of banter overstepping the boundaries of appropriate humour. This challenge is amplified as cultural norms shift, leaving organisations to grapple with the risk of complaints or, conversely, a diluted working culture.
For those who missed the live session, a replay is available. Additionally, Laughology is inviting further inquiry into this nuanced topic, “It’s Only Banter,” exploring the distinction between harmless wit and offensive behaviour. As we continue to explore these themes, more conversations are planned.
We would like to hear from anyone interested in delving deeper into the art of workplace banter and its implications, particularly from the HR and L&D world. Please get in touch with Stephanie@laughology.co.uk. Stay tuned for more insightful discussions on this evolving and essential topic, and read our blogs on this for more ideas.
