Poll: Effective Supervisors Should be Part Comedian

A Robert Half news release said the accounting, finance and information technology staffing firm found in its poll that 97% of professionals feel it is important for managers to have a sense of humor.

Most managers apparently have developed a funny bone; 87% of workers said their supervisors make them laugh.

“Managers who can laugh at themselves or difficult situations are often seen as more approachable and in touch with the challenges their teams face,” said Max Messmer, chairman and CEO of Robert Half International, in the news release. “Levity also can be used to build rapport among staff and ease stressful situations.”

The poll was conducted by an independent research firm and includes responses from 492 full- or part-time workers 18 years of age or older and employed in office environments.