Why Play Matters in the Workplace

In today’s fast-paced business environment, fostering creativity and innovation is crucial for success. According to a study by Deloitte, the lack of engagement and creative thinking among employees is a significant issue impacting global business productivity. This can be directly linked to a deficit in opportunities for playful and creative activities within the workplace.

In a world where adaptation to rapid and unpredictable change is the key factor for survival, your team’s creativity is essential. When the sea level rises, chaining your team to a desk won’t serve you (just like it won’t serve our children). However, having already developed a clever and creative plan—and implementing changes before the water reaches our toes—just might.

However, many workplaces struggle with low employee engagement, high stress levels, and a lack of creativity. Research by Gallup indicates that only 15% of employees worldwide are engaged in their work, and the resulting loss in productivity costs the global economy approximately $8.9 trillion annually.

The Benefits of a Playful Workplace

Having a playful workplace contributes to:

Increased Productivity: A study published in the Journal of Vocational Behaviour  found that employees were more engaged on the days they designed their work to be more playful, which was explained by the satisfaction of their needs for autonomy, relatedness, and competence

Enhanced Morale: Research by the University of Warwick shows that happiness can increase employee productivity by up to 12%. Playfulness promotes a positive work environment, leading to happier employees who are more motivated to achieve their goals.

Boosted Creativity: The Harvard Business Review highlights that companies encouraging play and creativity see a significant correlation to innovative output. Playful activities stimulate divergent thinking, essential for generating new ideas and solving complex problems.

Improved Collaboration: Playfulness fosters stronger interpersonal relationships. Teams that engage in playful activities together develop better communication skills and a greater sense of trust, enhancing collaboration and teamwork.

Employee Wellbeing: The American Psychological Association found that workplaces that prioritize fun and play experience lower levels of stress and burnout among employees. This focus on wellbeing leads to reduced absenteeism and higher employee retention rates.

Why Play Matters at Longworth Education

At Longworth Education, we believe that play is a powerful tool for transforming workplaces. Our experience with children over the past 20 years has shown us that they learn more, stay on task longer, and are happier and more settled when engaged in play. We know that these benefits translate into behaviors in the workplace that will impact your culture, your reputation, and your bottom line.

What We Offer

• Detailed evaluation of your current workplace playfulness
• Tailored recommendations to enhance playfulness
• Improved employee engagement and overall wellbeing
• Increased innovation and a dynamic work culture