Back to: PLAYIFY Your Working Life
Transcript
Why is There Play Resistance?
Injecting playfulness into the workplace isn’t always straightforward. Sometimes, you face “play resistance” from colleagues or entire organizations who put up barriers against playful activities.
From my experience working with various organizations and teams, play resistance typically stems from a mix of factors:
Natural Human Fear
First, there’s the very real human fear of looking silly. It’s not silly to worry about being silly—it’s actually fear of rejection. Back in our cave days, being rejected by the group could mean a shorter lifespan. So, doing something unusual feels uncomfortable because it might make us stand out and risk rejection. This is why public speaking is so dreaded. Even if our survival or image isn’t in danger, we often err on the side of caution.
The Frivolous Myth
Then there’s the idea that play is frivolous and doesn’t contribute to the bottom line. This belief is common in places with unrealistic timelines and productivity goals, where short-term thinking prevails. Such environments condition us to see playfulness as non-productive, often coupled with the notion that play is childish. Here, you might encounter old-school leaders who care more about you sitting at your computer for eight hours than the actual outcomes of your work.
Cultural Differences
In addition to organizational culture, individual cultural norms play a role. Depending on our cultural background, we approach playfulness differently. I’ve attended several events for a non-profit organization called play14 in various continents and countries. These events attract play enthusiasts with low play resistance. However, even in these groups, I’ve noticed patterns in game preferences—some prefer serious games and simulations, while others lean towards improvisation and free-flowing silliness.
Previous Experience
Lastly, some people have been burned by past experiences. They might have endured “forced fun,” which took them so far out of their comfort zone that the experience was neither enjoyable nor valuable. Others might have worked in places with a fake playful culture, where ping pong tables and games were available, but anyone daring to use them was watched and judged.
Play resistance is real, but it’s not set in stone. By shifting our thinking and creating an environment that welcomes play, we can start to tear down those walls. Recognizing and addressing the underlying fears and misconceptions is the first step towards fostering a more playful, innovative, and connected workplace.