When we were children, or had children of our own, we experienced the joy of creative play. Great pleasure was had from crayons, or even better, pots of paint! We enjoyed the process of experimentation and creation. We had a huge pride in the finished product, even if we had to explain what it was supposed to be!
Those of us fortunate enough to have shared that experience as adults know that it is completely absorbing. Time and other needs are forgotten while the pleasure of the activity is experienced.
In the same way we become totally absorbed in playing sport, reading a book or playing a computer game.
Sadly, as we grow up, we learn that work and play are two very different things. Work is not supposed to be enjoyable or you would not get paid to do it!
Work and play stand in sharp contrast to each other.
Dare I say that work is not as bad as this? People do enjoy their work. Some people accept a lower wage to do a job they enjoy. People who only work for money must be constantly persuaded by pay increases.
The more elements of “play” that can be brought into work the better.
Have you designed your jobs to include elements of play?
Do you stretch your people just enough to please?
Do you involve the person doing the job in its re-design?
Creating the right motivational environment leads to huge leaps in performance.
Time to play!