Unleashing Fun: Harnessing the power of playfulness in the workplace

Who wants to have more fun? Is there room for more fun at work?

Can fun and play serve as catalysts, unlocking deeper levels of vulnerability, curiosity, creativity, and productivity? I'm convinced the answer is a resounding yes. Inspired by a number of podcasts and articles I've been exploring how fun, and play might be the underutilised keys to facilitating change, driving cultural shifts, and fostering innovative and creative ideas within groups and organisations.

But how is this achieved and what elements of fun might we be able to explore to make a transition towards a more enjoyable and productive work environment? Are there specific strategies or methodologies that successfully infuse fun and play without compromising professionalism? These questions have fuelled my curiosity and drive to unravel the intricate ways in which incorporating joy can amplify collaboration, ignite inspiration, and redefine the boundaries of success within teams and companies.

Fun is defined as amusing, entertaining or enjoyable, but I really like Price’s (2021) definition of ‘true fun’. Price defines it as ‘playful connected flow’ and likens it to a flow state. In positive psychology, a flow state, also known colloquially as being ‘in the zone’, is the mental state in which a person performing some activity is fully immersed in a feeling of energised focus, full involvement, and enjoyment in the process or the activity.

What is also interesting is the concept of utilising play in the definition of fun. Play is defined in the dictionary ‘as engaging in activity for enjoyment and recreation rather than a serious or practical purpose’.

With a common definition like this it is no wonder that in the landscape of professional environments driving for results, the concept of injecting fun and play can raise eyebrows, its presence can often be misunderstood. And fun does not always look the same to everyone, a degree of respect and understanding towards other people’s fun must be established. However, beneath the surface, play and fun hold immense potential to transform the way we collaborate, ideate, and evolve as organisations.

When we infuse an element of playfulness into our work culture, we tap into a deeper layer of engagement. Play breaks down barriers, fostering an environment where individuals feel more comfortable expressing themselves authentically. It cultivates a sense of vulnerability, allowing for open communication and the sharing of diverse perspectives. Cultivating psychologically safe environments is crucial for fostering inclusivity in the workplace and reaping the benefits of everyone’s ideas. In this context, integrating elements of fun can serve as additional mechanisms to further bolster these efforts.

Fun and play stimulate curiosity. They encourage individuals to approach tasks with fresh eyes, fostering a mindset that embraces experimentation and exploration. This mindset shift becomes a breeding ground for innovation, sparking unconventional ideas and solutions.

But how does this translate into tangible outcomes for organisations?

Consider this: When teams engage in playful activities or incorporate elements of fun into their work processes, they often experience heightened creativity and collaboration. Studies in organisational psychology, such as Csikszentmihalyi's concept of 'flow theory' and research on workplace engagement dynamics, consistently support the notion that a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere fosters improved team performance (Csikszentmihalyi, 1975). These moments of levity create bonds, fostering a sense of camaraderie among team members and spiking the sense of inclusivity. This camaraderie, in turn, fuels a more cohesive and productive work environment.

Fun and play act as powerful levers in facilitating change within organisational cultures. They serve as conduits for breaking away from conventional thinking patterns, paving the way for fresh perspectives and approaches. Integrating these elements strategically can redefine workplace dynamics, encouraging a more inclusive, adaptable, and innovative culture.

It is essential to recognise that incorporating fun into work doesn't mean compromising professionalism or diluting productivity. Instead, it's about striking a balance and recognising the inherent value that moments of joy and playfulness bring to the table. Fun activities give employees the chance to inspire one another, effectively increasing their bond and levelling hierarchy. Working together on challenges also helps to form workplace friendships, something that Gallup says can increase engagement by 50%, (Clifton, 2022).

In my exploration, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative potential of integrating fun and play into group dynamics. It's not just about fostering a fun atmosphere; it's about leveraging these elements to unlock untapped potential, enabling teams to thrive in today's ever-evolving landscape. Fun and play lights up our moments in the day, these are the moments we take home and impart with our loved ones, the moments we remember and bring us and our work greatest value.

So, the next time someone questions the place of fun in the workplace, consider its profound impact on fostering vulnerability, curiosity, creativity, and productivity. Embrace the power of fun and play as the catalysts for change, cultural evolution, and the birth of truly innovative ideas.

Here are my top suggestions for ways we can add more fun into organisational development practice and change initiatives:

• Gamification: Incorporate game-like elements into training programs or change initiatives. Introduce challenges, rewards, or interactive activities that encourage engagement and learning.

• Creative Workshops: Host brainstorming sessions or workshops in unconventional settings or formats. The potential for being more creative in workshops is endless. Using creative exercises or activities that stimulate innovative thinking and problem-solving whilst making for a more cohesive team environment.

• Storytelling Sessions: Encourage storytelling to share experiences, successes, and challenges. Story telling is a successful theme in forging trust and developing inclusivity.

• Themed Events or Days: Introduce themed days or events related to the organisation's goals or values. Organisational values can thread through every aspect of the organizational DNA and events are a great opportunity to bring values to life in a really engaging way. Dress-up days, themed meetings, or celebratory events can inject a sense of excitement and unity.

• Artistic Expression: Encourage artistic expression within group work. This could involve painting sessions, music, or even designated areas for creative expression.

• Playful Learning: Use playful methods for learning and development. Include innovative play into facilitated sessions or consider more traditional interactive e-learning modules to incorporating games or quizzes into training sessions.

 Exploring the diverse landscape of innovative practitioners shaping workplace dynamics has been both fun and informative.

My recent dive into Myriam Hadnes' captivating Workshops Work podcast unveiled Matthias Lenssen, an inspiring creative soul who identifies as a 'facilitaper.' Lenssen's ingenious use of coloured tape and bare walls has transformed mundane spaces into vibrant, interactive havens, a testament to his chaotic yet brilliant approach to facilitation.

The spectrum of possibilities for infusing playfulness into professional settings is astounding. I am enthusiastic about delving deeper into the integration of play as a catalyst for evolving workplace rituals. This evolution holds promise for weaving playful elements into our daily routines, fostering connections, and nurturing a culture where creativity thrives. As these rituals take root and become intrinsic to our organisational fabric, they wield the power to shape and elevate our collective experience.

I would love to hear from you! Share your experiences of fun in the workplace or how people practitioners incorporate fun into their practice. Let's spark a conversation on how we can make work more enjoyable and productive!

References:

Clifton, J. (2022). The Power of Work Friends. Harvard Business Review. The Power of Work Friends (hbr.org)

Csikszentmihalyi, M. (1975). Beyond Boredom and Anxiety. Psychology. Preface to the 25th Anniversary Edition

Hadnes, Dr. M. (2023). Workshops Work Podcast. Facilitape: Enhance Workshop Experiences using Tape with Matthias Lenssen.

Price, C. (2021). ‘The Power of Fun: Why Fun is Key to a happy and healthy life’.