In Good Times or Bad Times, Play Time is Crucial
It’s an odd time in the world of work. On the one hand, some companies are focused on retaining talent in the midst of the “Great Resignation” (1 in 5 workers plan to quit their jobs in 2022, according to one of the largest surveys of the global workforce. Over two-thirds say they are seeking more fulfillment in the workplace). At the same time we’re also seeing mass layoffs and hiring freezes (especially in the tech world) in anticipation of an economic downturn. But regardless of which end of the spectrum your company is on, there’s an element you can bring in that will make a difference: Play.
Whether you need to keep talent from leaving voluntarily or revive morale after colleagues left involuntarily, researchers are increasingly finding that friendships at the office are what keep us feeling connected to our work. Just two weeks ago Business News Weekly published an article entitled “Why it’s good to have a BFF at Work.” A recent LinkedIn Podcast featured author and keynote speaker Adam Smiley Poslowski discussing the importance of workplace friendships on company culture and belonging at work.
Making friends at work isn’t easy, says Poslowski, especially in the world of remote work where friendships typically take much longer to forge in the absence of informal exchanges in the office or after work. But Poslowski has an interesting solution: we can continue to make friends just as we made them as children - by playing together. Not only does play bring a welcome shot of joy and happiness but it gives us the opportunity to build the connections with our colleagues that sustain us through difficult times.
While finding ways to play at work is not new to employee retention strategies, we believe that how we play together makes all the difference. Scavenger Hunts, Escape Rooms, Ping Pong tournaments are all great examples of playful team building activities. While these activities can be fun for some in the moment, the competitive nature of these activities might actually harm connection and belonging in the long term.
We approach play from a different angle. In order to use it to build meaningful connection we always:
1) Find low stakes activities (the sillier the better) that don’t require specific abilities or skill sets so that everyone can show up well
2) Replace competition with collaboration to fuel trust rather than conflict
3) Make time and space for everyone to contribute equally and authentically
4) Leave people with an artifact or story that will serve as a continuous reminder of the connection they made during the activity.
So whether it’s the best of times or the worst of times for your company, remember to make the time to play.
Curious to Read More?
Finding Friendship in the Age of Loneliness
The Importance of Work Friends
Why It’s Good to have a BFF at Work
Layoffs That Don’t Break Your Company