For the Big Bucks, Try a Little Yuk Yuk

In their own commissioned survey, Gostick and Christopher set out to see whether a manager's sense of humor helped retain workers. Their research showed that employees who rated their managers' sense of humor as above average were less likely to look for another job. But those who said their boss's humor was average or below average didn't think they would last long on the job.

If you get your employees laughing, they'll also listen, Gostick and Christopher write. But the two define levity not only as being humorous or able to do a stand-up comedy routine but also as creating a fun and light atmosphere on the job. Gostick and Christopher outline how companies can lighten things up by screening out the deadly serious and instead recruit employees with a sense of humor. They also encourage companies to incorporate levity in e-mails, memos, voice mails, meetings and training sessions.

The authors provide 142 tips on how to have fun at work. Gostick and Christopher also note that levity-minded employees climb the corporate ladder faster, make more money than their co-workers and close more sales.

I was happy to see the authors also issued some chuckling cautions. There can be a definite downside to trying to make the workplace fun. Here are some examples of when levity can level employee morale (or result in a lawsuit):

· When hurtful things are said followed by: "Just kidding."

· When mockery is used to entertain others in the workplace.

· When sarcasm is masked as humor.

· When the joke is mean-spirited. "Humor is a release of tension, but when it's also a release for anger it's not funny," the authors write.

This isn't a book just for managers. It's for anyone who might look around her office and want to turn the frowns she sees upside down.

To become a member of the Color of Money Book Club, all you have to do is read the recommended book. I invite you to join me online to chat about this month's selection. Join me at noon July 31 at http://www.washingtonpost.com for a live discussion with the authors.

In addition, every month I randomly select readers to receive a book, donated by the publisher. For a chance to win a copy of "The Levity Effect," send an e-mail to colorofmoney@washpost.com. Please include your name and a mailing address.

· On the air: Michelle Singletary discusses personal finance Tuesdays on NPR's "Day to Day" program and online athttp://www.npr.org.

· By mail: Readers can write to her at The Washington Post, 1150 15th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20071.

· By e-mail:singletarym@washpost.com.

Comments and questions are welcome, but because of the volume of mail, personal responses are not always possible. Please note that comments or questions may be used in a future column, with the writer's name, unless a specific request to do otherwise is indicated.