5 Ways To Deal With The Hysterical Laughing Coworker (Without Losing Your Sanity)
Laughing is healthy—until it becomes a workplace disruption. Discover 5 effective ways to deal with that overly loud coworker without causing office drama or losing your cool.
Have you ever experienced that one coworker who relentlessly has to laugh hysterically at the slightest comment or joke?
Introduction: When Laughter Becomes a Workplace Disruption
Have you ever encountered that one coworker who has to laugh—loudly, uncontrollably, and often—at the slightest comment or joke?
At first, it might seem charming. Someone who finds joy in the little things? Great! Their laughter can be contagious, even uplifting… for a while.
But by the fifth or sixth outburst of the day, it starts to grate. What began as harmless fun quickly becomes a cringeworthy distraction, especially when that laughter erupts in meetings, client calls, or during your lunch when you just want some peace.
Whether it's a low, guttural chuckle or a piercing, high-pitched squeal, the result is the same: a relentless background noise that gives you a headache by 3 p.m.
Sure, we love happy colleagues, but when the joy turns into chaos, it might be time to intervene.
Here are five practical ways to deal with the hysterically laughing coworker—without becoming the office villain.
1. Have a Calm Conversation
A direct but respectful conversation can work wonders. It’s not about killing someone’s joy—it’s about creating awareness. If you're their manager, frame it around team harmony and professionalism. For example:
“I’ve noticed your laughter is a bit loud at times—it’s great that you’re enjoying yourself, but it can be a little distracting for others, especially during meetings or calls.”
For non-managers, you might say:
“Hey, I totally get that you find things funny—I do too—but the volume sometimes makes it hard to focus. Just wanted to mention it in case you didn’t realise.”
Tone is everything here. You’re pointing out behaviour, not attacking personality.
2. Use the “It’s Not That Funny” Line
Sometimes, humour can cut through awkwardness better than confrontation. If they burst into laughter over something painfully mundane, drop a cheeky:
“Wow, I wish I found that half as funny as you did.”
Said with a smile, it sends a signal without starting World War III. It’s passive-aggressive with a hint of charm—and sometimes, that’s the sweet spot.
3. Escalate if Necessary
If things don’t improve and it's genuinely impacting your work or others, escalate it through the proper channels. This doesn’t mean launching a personality attack—you're simply addressing a workplace distraction that’s affecting performance.
Let your line manager or HR know:
“I’m finding it hard to concentrate due to ongoing noise and disruptions. I wanted to bring it up before it affects my productivity further.”
Most companies want a healthy work environment. If laughter is getting in the way of that, it’s a fair concern.
4. Set Clear Meeting Expectations
If their laughter erupts at the worst possible times—during serious team briefings, client calls, or project updates—it may be time to set meeting norms. Whether you're the organiser or participant, consider creating a structure that discourages disruption.
James Mason
Try this in a meeting agenda or introduction:
“Let’s keep responses concise and professional—we’ll have time for light-heartedness at the end.”
If you’re leading the meeting, steer the tone early. If you’re a participant, model the behaviour you want to see. When things go off track, gently steer them back:
“Let’s come back to the main point—time’s tight, and we’ve got a lot to cover.”
The goal is subtle control without public embarrassment.
5. Create Restrictions During Breaks
Lunchtime should be a time to decompress—not to endure another 30-minute performance of laugh track-level hysteria. If the “laughing buffoon” joins your table regularly, it’s okay to set soft boundaries.
Options include:
- Choosing a quieter space to eat.
- Wearing headphones as a subtle “do not disturb” signal.
- Politely excusing yourself when the volume ramps up.
“Hey, I really need some quiet time during lunch to recharge. Hope you don’t mind!”
Small moves like these can preserve your sanity without triggering workplace drama.
James Mason
Final Thoughts: Laughing With… or At?
A joyful coworker can bring a lot to the table—energy, positivity, a break from the daily grind. But when the laughter becomes a distraction or a source of discomfort, it's okay to take action.
Whether through honest conversation, light humour, or workplace structure, you can deal with the hysterical laughter without becoming the office grump.
Because let’s face it—some things just aren’t that funny.
