Laugh (actually, don’t laugh) like a Hyena
When I worked as a Science teacher in the South of England in the 1980s and 90s, I had a classroom with a long lab bench across the front.
Every now and then, I would ask the class to get up from their chairs and gather round while I demonstrated an ‘experiment’.
There was a very large permanent magnet that lived on the corner of the bench.
On this particular day, I was attempting to simulate the concept of acceleration, as a ‘trolley’ on wheels gathered momentum, running down a slope.
I thought I would add some exciting commentary:
So, you see this trolley has started off slowly, now increasing speed, getting faster… faster… getting faster… until…
Bang!
The thing on wheels dramatically changed course and slammed into the magnet.
At which point one of the students (I think her name was Louise) fell about in a state of uncontrollable giggles.
The trouble was her laugh was so infectious that I lost it too.
Neither of us could stop giggling.
I eventually left the room.
It is a common misconception that hyenas laugh. Apparently, the sound that really does resemble a human laugh—a high‑pitched, rapid “hee‑hee‑hee” cackle, made by spotted hyenas, is nothing but a type of communication within their pack.
They are not really laughing.
It’s a fake laugh.
Authentic humour
It strikes me that real humour—warm, feel good, I’m-really-enjoying-being-here humour is so needed in the workplace. But not the fake stuff.
Lots of animals give signals of enjoyment. Chimpanzees will make breathy panting sounds when they are being tickled. Gorillas & orangutans chuckle during social play and dolphins squeak or whistle during playful interactions.
But try telling a joke to them and you’re on your own.
Now I am not going to suggest that you sneak up to a co-worker today and tickle her, or try a bit of stand-up with the team, but I do think it’s worth being intentional about creating a workspace that people look forward to entering.
Louise changed the atmosphere of the of my science lab that day and it was natural and very funny. She didn’t try do that (nor did I) but she felt safe enough to just be herself and have some appropriate fun.
In my experience, constantly telling bad jokes to co-workers (especially sleazy ones), or laughing at someone else’s expense doesn’t usually contribute to that type of atmosphere. Especially if it makes people feel uncomfortable. Especially if it contributes to a workplace where people might not feel very safe.
It’s a bit like hearing a hyena laugh.
But warm, positive, playful, respectful humour often does create the work environment most people long for.
That particular class turned out to be my favourite lesson every week. Everyone was relaxed; everyone was happy to be there. And the kids worked hard.
Genuine humour isn't about making noise—it's about helping people feel welcome, relaxed and safe.
People thrive when they feel safe enough to be themselves.
……….
Looking for more practical ways to apply these ideas?
Explore the Animal Instincts guided journals and resources.
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