Let the Games begin: When work means play

Issue 87: July 2012

Every four years Olympics fever subtly but surely changes workplaces around the globe. Colleagues gather around screens to watch big events, conversations centre on impressive feats of achievement and overall a more relaxed approach seems to take hold.

From a productivity perspective, the spell cast by the Olympics might at first appear more damaging than helpful. However a growing number of workplace commentators believe this sort of activity – in fact anything that promotes a sense of playfulness – is exactly what every productive workplace needs.

Less stress, more creativity and greater engagement are all possible outcomes of bringing play into the workplace. At a time when new technologies are ensuring we are always "on" and quite possibly always working, the Games of the XXX Olympiad present an opportunity to rethink the role of play at work.

Where's the fun?

A new report by marketing firm JWT has revealed a disturbing trend: the majority of adults don't have time for "fun". More specifically, it was found 53 per cent of American and British adults believe they don't do things "just for fun", and 51 per cent find it difficult to be creative and playful in their everyday lives.

These results quite possibly reflect the idea play has no purpose and therefore is unproductive. But is that necessarily the case? Parents know the importance of playtime – unstructured periods that don't have specific goals – yet somewhere along the line the concept is conditioned out of adults.

While the idea of "enforced play" may horrify some it's important to understand the concept has many forms. At one firm play might involve a table game like foosball, another company might distribute weekly mind teasers or hold meditation classes. Whatever the format, play is most powerful when it's not about rules.

Breaking the rules a little

Many contemporary work processes revolve around instant responses that deliver logical and tested solutions. But when it comes to innovation, following the fastest, most available path rarely leads to success. The magic of true creativity is more likely to occur when rules aren't followed.

Some of the world's most innovative organisations have built cultures that accommodate creativity by ignoring the rulebook. Google famously gives employees time to work on projects of their choosing: no distinct goals, not prescribed structure. This concept gave birth to both Gmail and Google Earth.

Of course, not all the ideas that come out of this "sandbox thinking" approach will be viable. Nor do they have to be. Another valuable outcome of play is nimble thinking and flexible problem solving or as biologist Marc Bekoff suggests, the ability to use play as a dress rehearsal for the unexpected.

Spreading the fun

According to the author of Shine: Using Brain Science to Get the Best from Your People, Edward M. Hallowell, play isn't a goal; it's a state of mind that naturally combats negativity. He points out that information overload, speed and mandated productivity targets can collectively damage morale.

Appealing to the child that lives inside every adult is one way to minimise negativity. Hallowell tells Fast Company: "Yes, that can mean having a dart board or Nerf ball hoop; it also means holding interactive workshops where employees brainstorm creative ways to make more money or market better."

Examples of this kind of thinking aren't difficult to find. JWT reports that animation giant Pixar offers staff a range of playful, pressure-free activities, like as belly dancing. Australian company Madman Entertainment hires galleries to show off the amateur art works produced by their team from the CEO to the receptionist.

What ever happened to executive toys?

The concept of play at work is not a particularly revolutionary one. Executive toys, team building retreats or themed days are not new. However as the pace of life continues to intensify the value of playfulness should not be forgotten.

And that's why the Olympics, a phenomenon that fixates, unites and to some degree shakes up the daily grind of the working world, is the perfect opportunity for managers to consider the sustainable benefits of some fun and games.

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