A survey by an international temporary service agency found that U. S. managers believe that people with a sense of humour do better at their jobs, compared with those who have little or no sense of humour. In fact, about 96 percent of those surveyed said people with a sense of humour do better.
The survey went on to point out that the results suggest that a sense of humour may help light-hearted employees keep their jobs during tough times. And, what's more, it may push them up the corporate ladder past their humourless colleagues. Why? It seems that those with a sense of humour are better communicators and better team players.
Studies have shown that happy workers are more productive. In fact, a researcher at California State University found that humour could help the employees to release tension.
Research done by psychologist Dr. Ashton Trice at Mary Baldwin College in Virginia showed that humour helps us think. When people feel stuck on important projects, they tend to feel angry or depressed. According to Dr. Trice's research, taking time out to laugh can help us to get rid of negative feelings and allow us to return to a task or move on to another project unaffected by past defeat.
If humour is really this important, then why don't we use it more often on the job? Most likely, the main reason is that many people are unaware of the positive effects of humour in the workplace. However, it is important to realize that some humour is not suitable for the workplace, and that it is often used at wrong times.
1. Most people think a sense of humour can ________.
A. help you to do your work better
B. make you have a rich life
C. make you pleased with your work
D. help you to make more friends
2. Many people don't use humour more in the workplace because __________.
A. they like keeping silent when working
B. they don't know the positive effects of humour
C. they think they should obey the rules
D. they don't like joking or laughing
3. A person without a sense of humour is easier __________.
A. to feel surprised B. to get along with C. to be worried D. to be successful
4. What is probably the best title for the article?
A. People with a Sense of Humour.
B. Humour Is Important in the Workplace.
C. Humour and Humourless.
D. Everyone Likes Humour.