Leveraging the Power of Fun at Work | Robyn Schopp | TEDxMacatawa

TL;DR

Having fun at work is not only a personal value but an emerging business value that can unlock productivity, creativity, and a sense of community in the workplace.

Transcript

I spent the beginning of my career pretty convinced that the only appropriate business values were things like quality and a commitment to Excellence and while those values are absolutely appropriate and valid business values I have discovered that having fun is not just a personal value of mine but an emerging business value that is not to be igno... Read More

Key Insights

• 👨‍💼 Having fun at work is an emerging business value that should not be ignored, as it can contribute to productivity and organizational success.
• 🍄 Organic fun, where individuals feel safe to be themselves, is foundational to a productive workplace.
• 😤 Organized fun activities can create relationships and enhance team dynamics, ultimately improving organizational citizenship behavior.
• 😃 Finding joy in the actual job tasks through functional fun can lead to higher employee engagement and overall company profitability.
• 🍄 Fostering fun at work involves listening, expressing gratitude, going beyond the workplace, being vulnerable, and allowing room for mistakes.
• 😘 Psychological safety and organic fun are linked to higher productivity, lower stress, and increased engagement.
• 😀 Having fun at work can make individuals more relaxed, caring, and willing to go the extra mile for their teammates.
• 💨 Understanding personal motivators and finding ways to incorporate them into job responsibilities can enhance functional fun and employee satisfaction.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did the speaker's background in theater influence her perspective on having fun at work?

The speaker's experiences in theater taught her the importance of taking fun seriously and using it to create enjoyment for herself and others on stage. This perspective carried over into her belief that having fun can also enhance work life.

Q: What are the three types of fun in the workplace, according to the speaker?

The three types of fun are organic fun, organized fun, and functional fun. Organic fun refers to the ability to be yourself and feel safe expressing thoughts and ideas. Organized fun involves company-sponsored activities that foster relationships and team building. Functional fun is finding joy in the actual work tasks and experiencing flow.

Q: How can fostering organic fun benefit a workplace?

Research has shown that workplaces with high levels of psychological safety and organic fun have higher levels of engagement, lower stress levels, and increased productivity. Fostering organic fun can create a more comfortable and supportive work environment.

Q: How does having fun at work contribute to being a better teammate?

The speaker mentions a study that found a direct and positive relationship between having fun at work and organizational citizenship behavior, which refers to being a good teammate. Having fun at work promotes relaxation, care for others, and a willingness to go the extra mile for teammates.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The speaker initially believed that only values like quality and commitment to excellence were appropriate in business, but later realized that having fun is an important business value as well.

• She shares her experience of feeling miserable in her first job as a technical writer, where she felt ignored and rejected by her colleagues.

• Through loosening up, making jokes, and having fun with her co-workers, she noticed a positive shift in their interactions and realized the power of fun in improving work life.