Is Everyone Back to School
Sounds like just about everyone is back to school across America now.
Summer seems to be officially over (Yes, I know the equinox is on the 23rd, but our pools are all closed here in CO, so summer is over to us!).
Summer was probably full of play for a lot of us—being outdoors, vacations, exploring new places, and taking time off from work and school. But now we’re back to “school” (even for those without kids!), and sometimes it feels like we should be focused on grinding and hustling again.
It’s me, so you know I’m here to argue that!
Fall and winter can be JUST as playful as summer. There’s no bad weather, only bad clothes! Bundling up for a crisp hike?? Rather find some cozy, indoor fun?? These seasons offer unique opportunities to keep play alive.
We often think that as seasons change, our focus should shift back to the “grind”—more work, less play. But play should be a year-round practice. The beauty of playful work design is that it transcends seasons and settings. Whether you’re at work, at home, or somewhere in between, there are endless ways to keep playfulness integrated into your daily life.
Embrace Your Personal Play Identity!
Fall is the perfect time to explore how you naturally engage in play. Whether you're a Relational, Lighthearted, Intellectual, or Whimsical player, there are countless ways to keep playfulness alive:
Relational Playful People: You use humor and connection to lift the spirits of those around you. Organize a game night, make time for lighthearted conversations, or simply add a little play to your meetings. Your energy helps take the edge off stressful situations and keeps things fun.
Lighthearted Souls: You thrive on spontaneity and carefree joy. Lean into that! Say yes to unplanned adventures—a lunchtime walk, an impromptu desk yoga session, or that spur-of-the-moment coffee run. Bring your playful, improvisational spirit into your daily routine.
Intellectuals: Play for you is about engaging the mind. Puzzles, strategy games, and deep dives into new books or creative ideas are your playgrounds. Remember, play doesn’t always have to be physical; it can be about feeding your curiosity and imagination.
Whimsicals: You’re drawn to the unusual, the quirky, and the extraordinary. Embrace it fully! Try a new hobby, add some whimsy to your workspace, or dive into anything that brings a touch of magic to your day. Celebrate your eccentric side—it’s what makes life fun!
The point is, play is not just for summer—it’s for every season, every day. It’s not a break from the hustle; it’s a necessary part of life that fuels creativity, resilience, and joy. So, as the leaves change and the days grow shorter, keep your playful spirit alive. After all, who says you can’t build a snowman or have a spontaneous dance party just because it’s Wednesday?
Applying Playfulness at Work
Play isn’t just for personal life; it’s a game-changer in the workplace too. Incorporating play into work can enhance creativity, boost engagement, and build stronger, more connected teams. Through Playful Work Design, I help organizations create environments where employees feel energized, innovative, and psychologically safe to express their best selves.
If you’re curious about how to bring more play into your work environment, check out my workshop options like The Playful Team Toolkit, which leverages personal play identities to enhance team dynamics, or The Power of Flow, which helps professionals achieve peak performance through engaging, meaningful work. From leadership skills to team collaboration, there’s a playful approach for every challenge.
Ready to make work more engaging, innovative, and fun? Let’s chat about how we can bring a little more play to your workplace!