It turns out we not only like working with funny people, but we are more motivated when team leaders have a sense of humor. Inserting lightheartedness and humor into your work has been proven to have many benefits, such as better sales numbers and increased creativity. Shared laughter also improves trust and builds closer working relationships.

Jennnifer Aakers and Naomi Bagdonas, writing on HBR.org, share several thoughts on how to make humor work for you in the workplace.

Understand the four humor styles. There are four different styles of humor—stand-up (irreverent), sweetheart (understated), sniper (sarcastic), and magnet (expressive). Knowing your team’s individual style helps you better tailor your humorous remarks.

Begin with simple attempts at humor. Perhaps you can use some observational humor about your commute or something you’ve noticed around the office when starting your weekly staff meeting.

Be playful in your communications. Where could you introduce some fun?  It could be as simple as including a funny sign-off line in your out-of-office email.

Find and encourage levity. Doing something that brings smiles to your staff could help them be more creative in finding solutions to the issues that are currently challenging them.

Be mindful. Avoid making fun of your coworkers, and always be mindful that you are in a workplace and some humor will not be appropriate.

Learn more about how to foster humor in your workplace at  How to be Funny at Work.