Leaders, Don't Make Aggressive Jokes—Employees Might "Slack Off" in Retaliation!

Have you ever encountered this situation: A leader makes a seemingly joking remark that makes you feel uncomfortable? You might think it's just a small thing, but research shows this aggressive humor might make employees "slack off" in retaliation!

What Is Aggressive Humor?

Aggressive humor refers to leaders joking at employees' expense, belittling employees or making them feel uncomfortable. Unlike direct scolding, it appears as joking but actually contains hidden harm.

Why Do Employees Choose "Slacking Off"?

When facing aggressive humor, considering job importance, employees won't easily choose direct confrontation but might take covert ways to respond—"slacking off" is one such method.

**Slacking off**: Refers to employees engaging in non-work activities during work hours, like extending breaks, being distracted, or daydreaming during work.

Research Findings: The Harm of Aggressive Humor

Research Background

Researchers surveyed 450 employees from six hotels in Anhui, Jiangsu, and Shanghai, collecting data twice with one-month intervals.

Four Important Findings

1. More Aggressive Humor, More Employee "Slacking Off"

Leaders' aggressive humor significantly correlates with employees' "slacking off" behavior. The more aggressive humor, the more likely employees are to slack off.

2. Ego Depletion Is Key Mediator

When leaders make aggressive jokes, employees' self-esteem gets hurt, filled with anger and grievance, but they have to suppress these emotions.

**Ego depletion theory**: Employees need to consume significant self-control resources to manage emotions, like running with heavy burdens—they quickly feel exhausted.

3. Self-Compassion Can Reduce Harm

Employees with high self-compassion levels experience less ego depletion when facing aggressive humor; those with low self-compassion are more affected.

**Self-compassion**: Refers to individuals understanding, caring for themselves, and viewing problems calmly when facing difficulties.

4. Self-Compassion Regulates the Entire Process

Self-compassion also regulates the relationship between leaders' aggressive humor and "slacking off" behavior by influencing ego depletion.

Practical Advice

Advice for Leaders

1. Avoid Aggressive Humor

Although humor is an effective management tool, use it cautiously. Avoid aggressive humor as it may trigger employee dissatisfaction.

2. Use Affiliative Humor More

Make light, pleasant jokes at appropriate times to relieve work pressure and build rapport with employees, rather than joking about their shortcomings or mistakes.

3. Apologize Promptly to Repair Relationships

If you accidentally make jokes that make employees uncomfortable, apologize promptly to repair relationships.

4. Create Good Work Environment

Enhance trust and respect among employees through team activities, training opportunities, etc.

Advice for Employees

1. Improve Self-Compassion Level

Learn to pay attention to your emotions, respond to work pressure with calmer attitudes. Try activities like mindfulness meditation.

2. Seek Psychological Support

Get timely help when encountering problems to enhance psychological resilience.

3. Learn Self-Regulation

Don't just blame yourself—remind yourself this is something everyone might encounter.

Summary

This research helps us recognize that leaders' aggressive humor not only hurts employee self-esteem but also leads employees to "slack off" to vent dissatisfaction. Hope leaders pay attention to their words and actions, creating good work environments for employees; also hope employees learn self-regulation to better handle work pressure.

Remember: Workplace harmony requires joint efforts from both sides!