Create a Space for Play: Why Fun Belongs at Work
Workplaces are often too focused on deadlines, deliverables, and KPIs. While hitting goals is important, a rigid, joyless environment can stifle creativity, burn out employees, and crush morale faster than an overloaded inbox. That’s why creating a space for play isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential for building a workplace where people thrive.
At the fun dept., we believe that play is a secret ingredient for unlocking collaboration, creativity, and joy in the workplace. But let’s make one thing clear: play doesn’t mean slacking off or wasting time. It’s about carving out moments for fun, spontaneity, and human connection—moments that recharge our minds, refresh our perspectives, and, yes, improve productivity.
Why Play Matters at Work
Play isn’t just for kids. Research shows that incorporating play into daily routines reduces stress, improves problem-solving skills, and boosts overall job satisfaction. Think of it this way: when was the last time you had a lightbulb moment while grinding away at a problem? Probably not often. But the ideas flow more naturally when you step away, laugh with a coworker, or try something fun.
Play strengthens bonds for teams. Shared fun builds trust and camaraderie, which are crucial for collaboration. Plus, let’s be honest—teams that laugh together work better together.
Simple Ways to Bring Play to the Workplace
You don’t need a ping-pong table or a slide in your office to make play happen (though those are fun too). Here are practical ways to create a space for play that works for everyone:
1. Start Meetings with Playful Icebreakers
- Skip the boring “How was your weekend?” and try something like “What’s the weirdest snack you’ve eaten this week?” or a quick trivia question.
- Five minutes of fun at the start of a meeting sets a positive tone and gets creative juices flowing.
2. Host Innovation Sprints or Hack Days
- Give your team time to work on passion projects or experiment with new ideas without the pressure of immediate results.
- These events encourage playful thinking and often lead to breakthrough innovations.
3. Dedicate a Fun Break Zone
- Even if your office is small, create a space where employees can unwind—stock puzzles, board games, or even a whiteboard for collaborative doodling.
- Virtual teams can do this, too, by hosting game hours or sharing funny memes in Slack.
4. Celebrate Wins with Playful Rewards
- Did your team crush their goals this quarter? Celebrate with something unexpected: a mini dance party, a costume day, or a goofy award ceremony.
- The key is to make it fun and memorable—not just another pizza party.
The Science Behind Play
Still skeptical? Let’s talk about the science. Play activates the brain’s reward system, releasing dopamine and reducing cortisol (aka stress). It’s not just good for your mood—it’s good for your health and productivity.
Here’s what studies show:
- Employees who engage in workplace play are more creative and better at problem-solving.
- Teams that incorporate fun activities see higher engagement and lower turnover rates.
- Play boosts collaboration because it creates a sense of psychological safety—when people feel safe to play, they feel safe to share ideas.
Why It’s Worth It
Creating a space for play isn’t just about making work more fun (though it definitely does that). It’s about creating an environment where people feel energized, connected, and inspired. When employees know there’s room to laugh, try new things, and connect on a human level, they show up more fully—not just as workers, but as creative, engaged individuals.
At the fun dept., we’ve seen the transformative power of play in organizations of all shapes and sizes. From small teams to global enterprises, the workplaces that embrace play don’t just hit their goals—they exceed them.
Your Call to Action
Here’s a challenge: Tomorrow, find one small way to create a space for play in your day. Whether it’s sharing a laugh with a coworker, organizing a quick game, or brainstorming a playful team activity, make it happen.
Need more ideas? That’s what we’re here for. Visit the fun dept. to learn how we can help you bring the fun—and the results—back to your workplace.