Play Isn't Just for Kids: The ROI on Play at Work
TBD the Musical’s “Nightmare on the Riverboat”
Summer 2024
Thoughts That Keep Me Up at Night
Starting my own business has pushed me far out of my comfort zone, leading me to reach out to former coworkers and even inspirational strangers for advice. I’ve been calling these meetings “mentor chats,” and they’ve been a treasure trove of insights. During one recent mentor chat with a brilliant new connection, they casually mentioned the book they were reading, Play by Dr. Stuart Brown. Even their brief summary spiked my adrenaline. It sounded exactly like what I’d been searching for: a deep dive into the thoughts that keep me awake at night about the importance of play for adults.
From as far back as I can remember, I’ve believed play is a fundamental part of life. As a kid, I wondered why high schoolers didn’t get recess—shouldn’t they get to go outside and play too? I recall asking my Aunt Peggy, then in her 50s, if she and her best friends ever had sleepovers. She said no, and I was baffled. Why wouldn’t adults with their own homes—and no need for parental permission—host sleepovers regularly?
As I grew older, I of course found new forms of play that fulfilled me. Improv comedy became a passion in college, one I carried into my career at tech startups. But I also discovered in that time what life was like without play. Living abroad or traveling extensively for work, I felt its absence. Without my artistic outlet, I wasn’t quite myself. I was less happy. Something was missing.
A Serendipitous Book That Confirmed My Intuition
Though I’ve always understood the value of play intuitively, I struggled after launching WitWorks to articulate its importance in a way I felt would resonate. Then, a perfectly timed book recommendation gave me the confirmation I needed, backed by science.
In Play, Dr. Stuart Brown explains that play isn’t just a childhood pastime. It’s an essential part of our biology. It fuels creativity, drives innovation, and supports mental well-being. Adults may not feel as naturally inclined to play as kids do, but the benefits are undeniable. His research, along with studies from others, reveals that play enhances brain development, boosts mental health, and even slows cognitive decline.
Why Business Leaders Need to Pay Attention
The return on investment (ROI) for play is clear: happy people are more productive, creative, and adaptable. As Dr. Brown puts it, play helps us “deal with life’s wins and losses with grace.” Even better, fostering play in the workplace doesn’t mean turning the office into a playground. A little intentional play can go a long way. Dr. Brown emphasizes, “The beneficial effects of getting just a little play can spread through our lives, actually making us more productive and happier in everything we do.”
How to Foster Play That Works
Not all play is created equal. Dr. Brown points out that the mindset matters. Take two golfers: one might stress over the competition, while the other enjoys the fresh air and movement. Only the latter is reaping the true benefits of play. Perfectionism and preoccupation with outcomes hinder the experience. To capture the rewards of play at work, leaders should aim to host experiences that foster joy, connection, and collaboration.
This is where WitWorks comes in! We know that good play. Through simple, engaging improv games, we create a level playing field that sparks meaningful connections within teams. Let us help your team thrive. Reach out today!
