Laughing Together: The Power of Humor in Building Community

3 Ways to Create Connection with Humor

Heads Up: I’m asking for your help via a 2-minute survey below. Or you can fill it out now. Thank you!

You know what I miss about college?

It’s not the parties (I didn’t drink) or the lack of responsibility (remember when tests were your biggest concerns?). It’s not even the countless late nights playing Halo (though I could absolutely go for a Capture the Flag match right now).

Is this too niche of a reference?

I miss the inherent community that comes with being all together in one place, with a group of people you have a lot in common with, all going through a similar experience (going to class and learning who you are as a person away from home).

When you’re a kid, community almost feels built-in. School, sports, and extracurricular activities introduce you to people with shared interests. You’re surrounded by structured groups where friendships and connections naturally form without much effort.

But as adults? Those built-in communities start to disappear. Suddenly, your social circles shrink to co-workers, family, and (if you have kids) whoever your kids decide to hang out with. (I will say I’m lucky that Pineapple, my daughter, has become friends with kids with cool parents.)

While those relationships can be great, they don’t always provide the deeper sense of belonging, shared experiences, and mutual support that a true community offers. At least not on their own.

That’s why it’s so important to proactively seek out and build the communities you want to be part of—ones that support your growth, align with your values, and make life a bit more fun.

Why Community Matters

As humans, we thrive on connection. Research shows that social bonds are one of the biggest predictors of happiness and longevity (yes, even for us introverts). But there’s a difference between having strong individual connections and being part of a true community.

One-on-one relationships are valuable, but a community provides something greater than the sum of its parts.

From an AIN conference. Can you spot me?

In a community, you’re not limited to just one person for guidance, feedback, or camaraderie; you’re surrounded by a network of people who understand your challenges, celebrate your wins, and (if it’s the right kind of community) aren’t afraid to joke about the absurdity of it all.

A strong community gives you:

• A sense of belonging – You’re not just connected to people—you’re part of something bigger.

• More diverse perspectives – You can tap into collective wisdom and get ideas, feedback, and encouragement from multiple sources.

• Sustained momentum – When motivation dips, having a group keeps you engaged and accountable.

• A safe space to laugh, vent, and grow – You have a place to be your authentic self while also trying new things, knowing you’ll get encouragement, constructive feedback, and support without judgment.

• Enough people to have a Euchre tournament – okay, this one might be specific to Ohio and Michigan, but it’s still a great benefit.

The challenge? In a world of remote work, divisive politics, and social media specifically engineered to keep you hooked, it’s easier than ever to feel disconnected—even when we’re technically surrounded by people.

That’s where humor comes in.

Three Simple Ways to Use Humor to Strengthen Your Own Community

There’s something magical about humor when it comes to relationships. A well-timed joke can break the ice, ease tension, and turn strangers into friends.

Whether you’re leading a team, organizing a group, or just trying to create a stronger sense of connection, here are three simple ways to use humor to bring people together:

1. Start with Playfulness

Humor isn’t just about telling jokes—it’s about creating an environment where playfulness is welcome. Try a funny icebreaker, add a little personality to your emails, or embrace lighthearted moments in conversations. The more playful the atmosphere, the more people feel comfortable engaging.

2. Find the Inside Joke

Inside jokes are like secret handshakes but with laughter. Pay attention to shared experiences—whether it’s a ridiculous work process, a running gag from past meetings, or something everyone struggles with—and use humor to turn it into a bonding moment. Once a group laughs together about something, it becomes part of their shared identity and helps crystalize how this group is different from all the others.

3. Share a Laugh

Sometimes, the simplest way to strengthen a community is to experience laughter together. Watch a funny video as a team, send each other memes, or share a lighthearted story during meetings. Laughter is contagious, and the more you laugh together, the closer you feel.

A Community for Building Your Skill of Humor

At Humor That Works, we’ve always believed that humor isn’t just a “nice-to-have”—it’s a fundamental tool for connection, leadership, and well-being.

And in many senses, we have some components of a community, between this weekly newsletter, our social media accounts, various virtual sessions, and the occasional pun battles that break out.

Is community the missing piece?

However, we’re wondering if we should create a more structured HTW community. A place for professionals who want to use humor to connect, reduce stress, and make work (and life) more enjoyable.

But before we build this community, we want to make sure it’s something you’re looking for and is exactly what you need.

Could you take 2 seconds right now and click one of the below?

Yes, I’d love to be part of a humor community.

No thanks, I’m good with how things are now.

Note: If you click “Yes,” you’ll be taken to a short survey. It takes 2 minutes to fill out and will help us shape the community in a way that best supports you.

Your input will directly influence what we create—whether it’s events, resources, discussions, something completely different, or nothing at all.

Who knows, maybe we’ll even schedule a Halo LAN party or Euchre tournament.

(an)drew

Silly Joke at the End: A great, subtle joke from the TV show Community. Shirley: “Oh, they’ve got a class on how to write jokes.” Annie: “ Oh, don’t take that. I dropped it after the lesson on setups. The Professor is so old… … …”