Humor might not be the first word that comes to mind when one thinks of processing payroll. Payroll teams juggle deadlines and compliance changes with precision daily—often without much recognition. So where does laughter factor into this dynamic?

Scott Bloom, veteran comedian, television personality, highly respected professional emcee, keynote speaker, and author, reminds us that it’s in these high-pressure environments that the need for humor and connection is necessary.

“Laughter helps release tension, refocus energy, and remind people that even in the middle of the most demanding work, we're all human,” he says. “It's not about making light of what's stressful—it's about creating moments of relief that help you stay grounded so you can show up better for yourself and your team.”

 

An Interactive Experience Built on Laughter

Bloom’s presentation—“It’s a Funny Thing: How Laughter Connects People and Cultivates Engagement”—taught attendees at the Closing General Session keynote today how humor fosters authentic connection in the workplace, resulting in greater satisfaction and higher-performing teams.

Attendees found Bloom’s keynote to not be a “sit-back-and-listen” kind of session, but rather an interactive presentation.

“Expect to participate,” Bloom says about his presentation style. “I bring a lot of energy, a lot of laughs, and a lot of moments that pull the entire room together.” Because he believes people learn best when they're engaged and having fun, Bloom creates plenty of opportunities that keep attendees moving, interacting, and connecting with their peers.

“At its core, this presentation is about showing people that when you lower your guard and share a genuine laugh with someone, you open the door to deeper, more meaningful relationships—the kind that actually improve how we work together,” Bloom says.

Attendees experienced audience interaction, real-world stories, and practical strategies to take back to their teams—along with a few surprises. Bloom often notes that some of the most memorable moments come from spontaneity. One of his favorite interactions happened when a CEO unexpectedly jumped on stage and stole the show.

“The entire room was laughing with him, not at him—and in that moment, every barrier in the room just disappeared,” says Bloom. “I talk about the magic of unplanned moments and that’s exactly what I mean. When someone is willing to be open and spontaneous, incredible things happen. Those are the moments that remind me why I do what I do.”

 

From Improv to Keynotes

Bloom first fell in love with comedy watching the performances of comedic legends like Steve Martin, Albert Brooks, and Robin Williams. He founded an improv group in college and began working as a stand-up comedian after graduation. That path eventually led him into the corporate world as a comedic emcee—and ultimately into comedic keynote speaking.

“I realized early on that comedy is one of the fastest ways to create an emotional connection with another person, and that’s really at the heart of what I talk about today. Although the stages change, that principle stays the same: humor opens people up and brings them together,” Bloom says.

As a keynote speaker, Bloom has spoken to audiences across a wide range of industries at national conferences. He has also had the opportunity to interview celebrity speakers including actor John Travolta, Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, and retired tennis star Andre Agassi.

Although every audience is different, Bloom finds that the need for genuine human connection is always the same. Creating that connection is where he finds fulfillment.

“I love the moment when a room full of strangers starts to feel like a community,” he says. “That shift—where people go from sitting with their arms crossed to leaning in, laughing, and engaging with each other—that's what I live for.”

 

Reclaiming Connection in a Digital World

Bloom’s message of using humor to create connection in the workplace is more relevant than ever in today’s increasingly digital and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven world. Employees across the globe report feeling disengaged in the workplace.

“Human interaction is becoming our most valuable resource,” Bloom says. He encourages payroll leaders to intentionally create space for genuine connection in their teams.

“Humor plays a bigger role than most people realize. It's not fluff. It's a leadership skill that brings humanity back into the workplace,” Bloom says, “When people feel connected to each other, engagement follows naturally. The organizations that figure that out are the ones that will thrive.”

Bloom wants attendees to walk away feeling more connected with each other and armed with practical strategies they can use to connect their teams. He hopes he conveyed to attendees that the way payroll professionals feel while doing their work matters just as much as the work itself.

“If I can help people leave that room feeling lighter, more open, and more confident in the power of showing up as their authentic selves, then I've done my job,” he says. “My hope is that attendees carry that feeling back to their teams and into their daily interactions long after the conference is over.”

Heather McIntyre, Senior Associate of Payroll Services at Pew Charitable Trust Foundation, said she enjoyed Bloom's presentation and loved his sense of humor.

 "He was very enjoyable, and he had a lot of energy," she said.

Lindsey Coughlan, CPP, Payroll Director for Interdigital, said Bloom's comedic presentation provided attendees a restful break from all the workshops.

"He was entertaining and humorous and that provided some much-needed relief after being in classes most of the day," she said.

Caren Bennett is the Editorial Specialist of the Editorial Division for PayrollOrg. Emily West is a freelancer writer in Nashville, Tenn.