In today’s working world, more and more companies are investing in the mental and physical well-being of their teams. Beyond technical training and professional development, team building activities have become essential tools for strengthening bonds, easing tensions, and improving collaboration. Among the most original and surprising practices to emerge in recent years is one still relatively unknown but rapidly growing: Laughter Yoga.

What is laughter yoga and why are so many companies choosing it?

Created in the 1990s by Indian physician Madan Kataria, Laughter Yoga is a practice that combines breathing exercises, movement, and self-induced laughter to enhance overall well-being. Various studies—including those published in the Journal of Psychosocial Oncology—have shown that laughing, even artificially, activates positive mood mechanisms, reduces cortisol levels (the stress hormone), boosts the immune system, and improves group dynamics.

For this reason, at Compagnia del Legno and Treeo, we decided to include this practice in our ongoing team training program, treating ourselves to a truly out-of-the-ordinary day.

An idea born from the need to recharge as a team

This initiative is part of a broader growth and development plan that our company is passionately pursuing. At the end of 2024, we felt the need to bring fresh energy into the group—and we wanted to do it in a way that was both unexpected and meaningful. The goal? To inspire the team with an engaging activity that would benefit not only our work, but our everyday lives: more lightness, more connection, more tools to live and work well—together.

That’s why we chose Laughter Yoga—an unusual, almost disarming discipline at first. Because let’s face it: laughing for no reason, in front of your colleagues, can feel a bit awkward. But that’s exactly where something powerful begins. Stepping outside our comfort zones, we discovered a space that was open, human, and welcoming—where everyone could simply be themselves.

Moments we won’t forget

It’s hard to pick just one highlight. Some of us still smile thinking back to the “mussel” exercise that sparked uncontrollable laughter. Others recall the circle game where we introduced ourselves with an adjective starting with our name’s first letter—some were so funny we literally fell over laughing! Or the five minutes of unconditional laughter in the garden, with curious passersby joining in with amused smiles.

A day made possible by true professionals

The event was guided by a team of experienced, engaging professionals:

• Monica Giordani, Laughter Yoga expert, led the group with warmth and enthusiasm
  
• Andrea Di Martino, mental coach, brought unexpected perspectives with empathy and vision
  
• Cristina Azzalini, coach and facilitator, added harmony and a deep sense of connection
  

A transformative experience

Beyond the laughter, the day left a lasting impression. We shared a new language—one outside our job titles—and it became a powerful tool we can now carry into future challenges. The atmosphere in the days that followed? More open, more relaxed, more human. It took just one day to break down habits and see our colleagues with new eyes.

This kind of training is a gift. Free from performance pressure, it made us feel good—and reminded us how important it is to laugh, every single day.

When asked if they would recommend the experience to other companies, the team’s response was a resounding yes. Not just because it feels good—but because it changes people, and people are what make a company. As for the future, our team dreams of equally engaging experiences: from anti-shyness theatre workshops to cryotherapy and breathing techniques. One thing is certain: Laughter Yoga is now part of our shared toolkit, a language we’ve made our own, because it allowed us to explore growth without the roles we usually wear in the workplace.

At Compagnia del Legno and Treeo, we believe our impact shouldn’t stop at the professional level—it should also extend to our community. We are lucky to live in a beautiful land, and it deserves companies committed to giving back, creating healthy workspaces and authentic human connections.

We laughed together.
We learned something about ourselves.
And we remembered: lightness is a serious thing.

To learn more about the values that guide our team, follow us on our website and social media channels.