Inclusion and Accessibility in Playful Work Design
I recently saw a post about a corporate workshop where the team was taught pickleball, and the facilitator shared lessons from the game that supposedly applied to business. I’m all about play, but this struck me as not quite right… I realized my persistent question was:
WHY?
Pickleball, like many corporate “fun” activities, might seem like a great idea on the surface. Get people moving, outside their comfort zones, bonding in new ways. But here’s the thing: not everyone has a comfort zone at work to start with.
For some employees, pushing them to try something new—like pickleball—when they’re already exhausted, disengaged, or simply not comfortable with group activities or their co-workers can be alienating. Even worse, it can border on ableism - and reinforce feelings of exclusion, especially if the activity isn’t accessible or suited to everyone.
Let’s be honest: Play should never feel like pressure.
Forced Fun is NEVER fun.
If we’re going to bring play into work, it needs to be inclusive, accessible, and—most importantly—respectful of where people are at, physically and mentally. Not everyone can or wants to play sports. Not everyone can be pushed outside their comfort zone, because for many, that zone doesn’t even exist yet.
Here’s what inclusive play looks like:
Choice: Giving people options for how (or if) they want to participate.
Accessibility: Ensuring activities are inclusive of all abilities and energy levels. Disabilities should obviously be considered, but also, you probably don’t know if Bob from accounting twisted his knee last night or if Jemma’s asthma is flaring up.
Psychological Safety: Creating environments where people can engage at their own pace without pressure.
Diverse Play Styles: Recognizing that not all play is physical—some people find their joy and flow in intellectual games, creative activities, or collaborative challenges.
Inclusion is one of the four pillars of Playful Work Design. Play should be for everyone, regardless of ability or comfort level. We need to stop treating play as a one-size-fits-all solution. True inclusion means respecting that play looks different for everyone. It’s not just about getting people outside their comfort zones; it’s about creating safe, joyful spaces where people can thrive in their own way.