Should You Play at Work?

🤸‍♀️ Is play at work frivolous…or fundamental?

Let’s take a look at the research!

Samuel West’s dissertation, “Playing at Work,” is referenced in Learning in the Wild, and West makes a strong case for using play as a step towards becoming a learning leader.

🚀 What is play?

Have you ever taken the time to think about what play truly is? How would you define it? West shares the following 5 necessary elements of play:

• Fun

• Self-chosen

• Frivolous

• Imaginative

• Operates by a defined set of rules

⚡ How does using play help leaders?

Organizational leaders who support elements of play at work report an increase in:

• Creativity

• Innovation

• Openness

• Lightheartedness

• Positive group interactions

Doesn’t that culture sound like one you’d like to be a part of? The younger workforce agrees. They tend to appreciate a more playful work environment, so injecting play into your workday has the potential to increase employee engagement and retention.

🎁 How can play help your organization stand out?

There’s a lot of room to grow in the field of play. Participants in West’s study reported there is little play currently happening in the office, so making play an intentional part of company culture might just be the secret to standing out to young professionals.

🤸‍♀️ What’s your next play as a learning leader?

What do you think? Is play part of your workday? Are you team frivolous or team fundamental when it comes to professional playfulness? How can you add a sense of play to your day?