Ninety-seven percent of professionals polled by Robert Half International feel it is important for managers to have a sense of humor, with 65 percent saying it is "very important" and 32 percent saying it is "somewhat important." 

Employers appear to have received the message: 87 percent of workers said their supervisors do indeed have a funny bone.

"Managers who can laugh at themselves or difficult situations are often seen as more approachable and in touch with the challenges their teams face," said Max Messmer, chairman and CEO of Robert Half International. "Levity also can be used to build rapport among staff and ease stressful situations."

Messmer cautioned that while people enjoy working for someone who has a good sense of humor, too much clowning can have the opposite effect.

"To be taken seriously, supervisors must balance their desire to keep the mood light with the need to accomplish business objectives, inspire great performance and maintain professionalism."