Laughing About Work: Workplace Humor Keynote
Why the title Work, Laugh, Repeat?
Why Humor Succeeds in the Workplace?
Speaking at business conferences across industries ranging from technology to medical to automotive, Greg noted how audiences responded when he incorporated humor into business presentations: “They were more likely to stay for the entire presentation,” he recalls. “Some even saw it multiple times. It made me realize it was possible to entertain, inform, and motivate people simultaneously.” That journey as a trade show presenter and corporate event host is how the “Work, Laugh, Repeat” keynote was born.
What the “Work, Laugh, Repeat” Keynote Delivers
Clean, HR-Approved Comedy Style
Greg realizes comedy can be a tough sell at corporate events. “Clients worry about what might come out of a comedian’s mouth,” he says. “Maybe they’ve been burned by an inappropriate club act before.” That’s why Greg approaches his craft differently: “Trust me, everything you will hear is ‘HR-approved.’” Greg proves every time that humor is serious business when it’s clean, smart, and brand-safe.
Measurable Morale & Audience Reaction
Greg says, “There is nothing more gratifying than when audience members approach me after a keynote presentation and say, ‘Thank you, this is exactly what we needed.’” These words reassure him that his message has left a lasting impact on the audience, sparked new ways of thinking, and inspired colleagues to bring greater joy, empathy, and a spirit of collaboration into both their professional and personal lives.
Client Success Across High-Stress Industries
Even clients from professions not typically associated with ‘fun’ or ‘humor’ are able to shed their inhibitions and laugh heartily. Greg says, “I’ve made funeral directors laugh, emergency room nurses laugh, even CIA agents laugh. No matter what your work entails, it is essential to make time for laughter.” (To learn more about client experiences and media reports, please visit the ‘Media’ section.)
Pre-Event Research & Custom Slides
Each of Greg’s keynotes is unique. This is because every audience and corporate culture differs from the next. Therefore, Greg consults with clients prior to the event; he seeks to understand what will make the audience laugh heartily and, most importantly, what topics should be avoided. This collaborative planning process not only results in the creation of excellent, fresh content but also involves the preparation of a PowerPoint or Keynote presentation, which clients review and approve prior to Greg’s presentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ask Greg anything. It’s your event. You need to feel 100% comfortable knowing you’ve made the right decision to include humor, and that you’ve hired the right clean corporate keynote speaker, Greg Schwem.
What is the main idea behind “Laughing About Work”?
The core message is that laughter in business isn’t just fun; it’s powerful. Greg Schwem demonstrates how strategic humor in the workplace strengthens authentic connection, sparks creative problem-solving, and breaks down communication silos while defusing everyday stress. Injecting well-crafted, clean levity into corporate settings helps humanize leadership and fosters a healthier, more collaborative environment.
Why has humor become less common in our workplaces?
In an effort to avoid offending anyone or crossing professional lines, many organizations pull back on humor entirely, often right when stressed and burnt-out teams need it most. Greg highlights that while off-color humor has no place at work, shared laughter offers profound business benefits like improved morale and innovation. He proves that companies can bring humor back safely in ways that uplift colleagues rather than alienate them.
How does Greg Schwem personalize his presentations?
Greg customizes each keynote presentation by thoroughly researching his client’s organization well in advance. He reviews company websites, internal newsletters, and recent industry challenges, and conducts pre-event discovery calls with your planning team. This allows him to craft uniquely relevant, sharply humorous content and customized slides that resonate with each audience, ensuring his comedic observations hit close to home.
How can organizations introduce humor without offending anyone?
Greg recommends focusing on shared, situational business frustrations, like technology glitches, calendar overload, or video call quirks, rather than targeting individuals. Emphasizing self-deprecating humor and work-appropriate humor creates a safe, collaborative atmosphere that builds shared laughter and mutual respect across multi-generational teams.
Ready to Bring “Work, Laugh, Repeat” to Your Corporate Stage?
Book Greg Schwem’s signature workplace humor keynote. Fill out the details below to check tour availability, request an exact speaking fee quote, or customize clean, HR-approved business humor for your industry.
