Fun Can Create A Safe Space To Take Chances

Is having fun at work valued in your workplace? Researchers from Penn State, Loyola University and Ohio State University looked at this very topic. They concluded that performance can improve in environments where having fun is supported by the leadership.

According to Penn State’s Michael Tews, fun makes people more inclined to try new things and reduces fear about making mistakes. It creates a safe environment for learning and gives co-workers a chance to bond.

The researchers looked at fun activities that enhanced well-being, like team-building and celebrations that recognize achievements. They found that a manager’s support for fun actually mattered to employees more than his or her support for learning. Tews cautions that too much fun can lead to reduced productivity. But, if you’re a leader who believes that fun is merely a distraction, you may want to reconsider.