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Integrating play into corporate culture is crucial for fostering creativity and innovation. Both research and experiments in organizations show that playful environments encourage free-flowing ideas and positive work atmospheres, leading to original solutions and a more engaged workforce. Play unlocks creative potential, shifting the brain from a busy, overworked state to a more relaxed and imaginative one. To integrate a more playful mindset on their teams, leaders can use three strategies: 1) introducing short, playful activities, 2) designing physical spaces to encourage play, and 3) incorporating playfulness strategically.
Once, during a workshop, I asked people to close their eyes and recall where they were when they had their best ideas. Over 80% of participants said they were in the shower, in bed, jogging, or playing with their children — anywhere but work. Out of 15,000 people, not a single person said they get their best ideas on the job. This isn’t a coincidence; it’s a symptom of how traditional work environments stifle creative thinking.
