When was the last time you had a hearty laugh with your boss? I have had the good fortune to have had supervisors who did not mind a little ribbing or lightheartedness. The corporate world has started incorporating playfulness into the environment. According to Helene Scott in the article “Playfulness: The Power of Play in the Workplace,” a playful work environment can increase productivity and effectiveness.
A playful environment does not mean that parties prevail. It means that laughter is tolerated and welcomed. When I was a mental health case-manager, my colleague and I spent many hours working, talking and laughing. We filled the entire floor with our laughter. Our CEO/medical director would walk past our offices and join in the conversation. While he did not stay for long, he told us that he enjoyed the laughter. He believed it was good for the staff and good for the patients.
Leadership is vital to making room for playfulness in the workplace. Leadership Excellence, LTD provided a list five benefits found in a playful workplace. One of those benefits is the reduction of stress and tension. Click here to listen to the Playfulness in the Workplace podcast.
Share your stories of playfulness in your work environment. Does it help your work or do you find it to be distracting?
I would love to hear from you. You may join the conversation by commenting on this post on our Facebook fan page REAL Social Workers Online Magazine, or connecting with me on LinkedIn.
I am a firm believer that there is a time and a place for everything. I have met and worked with people who seem to have a knack for being a lot of fun. If you enjoy what you do, there is less stress and more productivity.
Yes, I agree. We spend so much time at work that it should be a place that we enjoy.