The power of play: unleashing your inner child during your 9-5

Hey, you! Yes, you, the hardworking adult slaving away at your desk all day long. When was the last time you unleashed your inner child and had some fun at work? If you cannot remember, then it is time to bring some play and fun into your business and work. 

Reading this you may be thinking, "I'm an adult. I can't play and have fun at work." Well, let us tell you that you absolutely can! In fact, it is highly recommended. Not only is it good for your mental health, but it can also boost productivity and creativity. 

The awesome benefits of infusing fun into your work and business

Increased productivity

According to a study by Globoforce [1], employees who have fun at work are 31% more productive. That is right, having fun can actually make you work harder and produce better results. 

Improved creativity

When you are having fun and playing, your mind is more relaxed and open. This can lead to increased creativity and innovative ideas. Plus, it is just more enjoyable to come up with ideas when you are not stressed out. 

Better teamwork

When you are having fun together, it can help build a stronger team. When people are relaxed and enjoying themselves, they are more likely to communicate and collaborate effectively. Plus, it is just more fun to work with people you enjoy being around. 

Improved mental health

Work-related stress can have a negative impact on mental health. Incorporating fun and play into the workplace can help reduce stress and improve overall mental health. Plus, who does not love feeling happy and relaxed at work? 

As you can see, incorporating play and fun into the workplace can increase creativity and innovation. When we are having fun, our brains are more open to new ideas and approaches. According to a study by the International Journal of Workplace Health Management [2], employees who engage in playful activities at work are more likely to come up with creative solutions to problems. 

Not only that but play and fun can also boost morale and improve relationships between colleagues. When we are having fun together, we are more likely to build camaraderie and trust. In fact, a study by Gallup [3] found that employees who have a best friend at work are seven times more likely to be engaged in their job.

And it is not just about the social benefits – incorporating play and fun into the workplace can also have a positive impact on productivity. When we are happy and relaxed, we are better able to focus and stay motivated. A study by the University of Warwick [4] found that happy employees are 12% more productive than their unhappy counterparts. 

So, now that we have established the benefits of bringing play and fun into the workplace, let us talk about the negative impact of not doing so. Without play and fun, work can become a monotonous and stressful affair. This can lead to burnout, low morale, and even physical and mental health problems. 

According to the American Institute of Stress [5], work-related stress costs U.S. businesses up to $300 billion per year in absenteeism, turnover, and decreased productivity. And the World Health Organization [6] has recognised burnout as a legitimate medical diagnosis, characterized by feelings of exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced professional efficacy. 

Surprising ways your workplace suffers when you leave playtime at the door

Increased stress

A survey by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health [7] found that 40% of workers reported their job was very or extremely stressful. Incorporating fun and play into the workplace can help alleviate this stress and improve overall job satisfaction.

Decreased motivation

When work becomes monotonous and boring, employees may lose motivation and become disengaged. This is the moment when productivity takes a nosedive and poor performance starts rearing its ugly head.

High turnover

Employees who are unhappy or disengaged are more likely to leave their jobs. This can put a dent in businesses' pockets since it takes a significant amount of time and money to train new employees. Plus, who wants to work in a boring and uninspiring environment? 

The bottom line is that neglecting to incorporate play and fun into the workplace can have serious consequences for both employees and businesses.  

So, now that you know the benefits of bringing fun into your business and work, how can you actually do it? 

How to add play to your business 

Get ready to spice up your work life with these fun-tastic tips for adding play to your business game plan:

Have a game day

Schedule a day where everyone can play games together. This could include board games, video games, or even outdoor games like frisbee or kickball. 

Create a fun workspace

Add some decorations, plants, or even a ping pong table to your workspace. Creating a fun and welcoming environment can help boost morale and productivity.

Take breaks

Encourage employees to take breaks throughout the day to relax and recharge. This could include a walk outside, a meditation session, or even just a quick nap.

Celebrate successes

When your team achieves a goal or completes a project, celebrate it! This could include a team lunch or even just some high-fives and congratulations.

Organise a volunteer event

Schedule a day where your team can give back to the community by volunteering at a local charity or organisation. Not only will this help those in need, but it can also boost team morale and foster a sense of purpose and fulfilment among employees.

Encourage professional development

Provide opportunities for your team to learn new skills or enhance their existing ones. This could include attending conferences, taking online courses, or even just setting aside time for team members to share their expertise with one another. Investing in your employees' professional development can help them feel valued and motivated, and it can also benefit the company in the long run. 

Hire a playful coach

Hire a playful coach to come into your workplace and liven things up. Don't worry, it doesn't have to be expensive and it won't include paintballing (unless you want it to!). 

If you are interested in exploring how you can bring more fun and play into your workplace and business, book a hello call with Tamzin, a performance psychology coach. Tamzin can provide you with tips and strategies for incorporating play into your work and help you create a more enjoyable and engaging work environment. 

In conclusion, life is too short to spend all day being serious and boring, let us look at life in a different way. It is time to bring some fun and games into your work life and, trust me, the payoff is huge - you will see a boost in productivity and creativity like never before! So, channel your inner child and let us have some fun!

How about a game day with board games, video games, and even an outdoor frisbee game? Or why not inject some colour and joy into your workspace with some funky decorations and plants, and, hey, why not throw in a slide while you are at it? The bottom line? It is time to let loose, have a blast, and enjoy every moment of your work life. After all, work does not have to be a chore - it can be a fun adventure that you look forward to every day. So, let us do this - unleash your inner child and let us get playful! 

References

[1] https://www.quantumworkplace.com/future-of-work/importance-of-employee-recognition 
[2] https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09585192.2012.674931 
[3] https://www.gallup.com/workplace/238085/state-american-workplace-report-2017.aspx 
[4] https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/abs/10.1086/682252 
[5] https://www.stress.org/stress-at-work 
[6] https://www.who.int/mental_health/evidence/burn-out/en/ 
[7] https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/99-101/