Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility The Role of Play and Fun in Employee Happiness and Success
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    • May 7
    • 5 min read

The Role of Play and Fun in Employee Happiness and Success


Why Work Shouldn’t Be Fun.

How could you possibly be getting anything productive done if you’re always expecting to have fun at work? You work hard so you can play hard outside of work on your own time. Stop laughing and talking to your co-workers all the time, I am paying you to get work done. Work isn’t supposed to be fun! 

Have you said something like this or heard others say it?


Group of people dressed as superheroes walking on a beach

I am going to define it as an old school way of thinking that needs to be challenged and tested. Like other concepts, I am not suggesting you shift to the opposite end of the spectrum where everyone stops working and just plays instead, that would lead to a business failure. I am instead proposing as a leader that you find your own balance, push beyond your comfort zone and test some new ways of leading your people. The biggest question is, can you have fun doing it, and if not there might be something much bigger to explore for yourself.


The premise is that if you align your people in (3) different areas, your workplace culture will automatically become more fun and playful. 


  1. Purpose driven mission - how is your business inspiring your people?

  2. Zone of Genius roles & responsibilities - how are you developing and placing people into roles for success?

  3. Owners mindset with performance-based targets - how can things be goal focused so it doesn't matter how they go about it?

Play is a mindset that most adults have lost touch with and many workplaces don’t create a safe space for it to be invited. Forcing play does not work either so understanding the mechanics behind what makes work fun is key to creating an authentically playful culture. A productivity killer is when a workplace culture is always heavy, serious, pressure driven with the fear of failure being used as a driver for accomplishment. 

1. Purpose-Driven Mission

A purpose-driven mission can transform the work environment by inspiring employees to engage more deeply with their work. When employees understand and connect with the overarching goals of the organization, their sense of personal investment and fulfillment increases. Research by Imperative shows that purpose-oriented employees are 54% more likely to stay at a company for 5+ years and 30% more likely to be high performers. The purpose needs to be clearly communicated, ideally tying everyday tasks to these larger goals. For example, a company that aims to improve environmental sustainability should highlight how each team’s projects contribute to this goal, thereby fostering a workplace where people feel they are making a difference, which enhances the fun and playfulness due to a shared sense of achievement and positive impact.

2. Zone of Genius Roles & Responsibilities

Creating "Zone of Genius" roles involves aligning employees’ jobs with their naturally given talents and strengths, which not only increases productivity but also job satisfaction. Another way of looking at it, according to my mentors Gay & Katie Hendricks, is to hire and align current employees based on their zone of genius where they have the highest satisfaction, joy, and fun because work doesn't feel difficult and they can’t wait to get to it. This is when work feels more like play and fun is the byproduct of your day at the office. Companies can develop this by providing training that helps managers recognize their team members' strengths and crafting roles that capitalize on these abilities. A study by Gallup revealed that people who use their strengths every day are six times more likely to be engaged on the job. By ensuring that employees are in roles that fit their talents and interests, the workplace becomes more dynamic and enjoyable, promoting an atmosphere where creativity and innovation thrive.

3. Owner’s Mindset with Performance-Based Targets

Encouraging an owner's mindset means treating employees like stakeholders in the company. When employees are given autonomy to achieve performance-based targets, they are likely to find innovative and personally satisfying ways to meet their goals. This approach prioritizes outcomes over processes, allowing individuals the freedom to explore different methods to complete their tasks, which can lead to a more playful and less rigid work environment. A study by Deloitte points out that goal-oriented roles enhance employees' abilities to handle work-related challenges, thereby increasing engagement and productivity. By setting clear, measurable goals and rewarding achievements, companies can foster a sense of ownership and excitement at work, making the work process more engaging and fun.

Each of these areas not only contributes to a more effective and engaged workforce but also cultivates a workplace atmosphere that is inherently more enjoyable and playful, thus supporting a robust organizational culture.



What Benefits Come From Play and Fun in the Workplace

Numerous studies have demonstrated the multifaceted benefits of fostering a playful and enjoyable work environment. These benefits include:

  1. Enhanced Creativity and Innovation: Playful environments stimulate imaginative thinking and encourage employees to explore unconventional approaches, leading to innovative solutions and breakthrough ideas. Research underscores the role of play in promoting cognitive flexibility and problem-solving skills, which are crucial for innovation. For instance, a study highlighted in The Journal of Neuroscience demonstrates that cognitive flexibility is closely tied to neurogenesis, suggesting that stimulating environments that encourage play could enhance cognitive flexibility and innovation​ (MedXpress)​.

  2. Improved Collaboration and Communication: Engaging in playful activities and games fosters a sense of camaraderie and teamwork, breaking down communication barriers. Research by the MIT Sloan School of Management has shown that various dynamics within workplace interactions, including the role of psychological phenomena, significantly influence team trust and collaboration. These studies suggest that effectively managed team dynamics can lead to improved project outcomes by enhancing interpersonal effectiveness and collaboration​ (MIT News)​.

  3. Reduced Stress and Burnout: Play and laughter offer essential breaks from work pressures, helping to mitigate stress and prevent burnout. While specific studies from 2023 were not found, the American Psychological Association consistently highlights the importance of mindfulness and relaxation techniques in managing stress. These practices are shown to promote a state of relaxation, lower stress hormone levels, and improve mood, contributing positively to a work environment. For more information on managing stress through relaxation techniques, you can explore further details provided by the APA on their website.

  4. Improved Physical and Mental Well-being: The enjoyment and relaxation derived from playful activities can enhance overall health and well-being, leading to increased productivity. While the specific study from 2022 was not located, research published in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology consistently explores the impact of workplace practices on employee health. These studies often find that engaging in health-promoting work practices can improve physical health, reduce muscle tension, and boost energy levels, contributing positively to workplace productivity.

The Role of Play and Fun in the Workplace: A Transformative Force at Casa Alternavida

By incorporating elements of play and fun into our workplace, we have witnessed firsthand the transformative impact it has on our own staff’s happiness, productivity, and success. Our team is more creative, innovative, and collaborative, and we have seen a significant reduction in stress levels and burnout. We believe that play and fun are essential ingredients for a thriving and fulfilling work environment, and we are committed to continuing to foster a culture of joy and well-being at Casa Alternavida.

The role of play and fun in employee happiness and success is undeniable. By embracing a playful and enjoyable work environment, organizations can unlock a transformative force that drives happiness, creativity, innovation, and success. Let us create workplaces that are not only productive but also joyful and fulfilling for all.

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