Imagine a word so powerful, it can make even the most seasoned professionals squirm in their seats. It’s not ‘budget cuts’ or ‘downsizing’—though those certainly strike fear. No, it’s a four-letter word that’s often misunderstood in the workplace: play. But here’s where it gets controversial: what if play isn’t the enemy of productivity, but its secret weapon? Let’s dive in.
In the high-stakes world of business, words like ‘blowout’ and ‘cyberattack’ are enough to send shivers down anyone’s spine. Yet, ‘play’ often elicits a different kind of reaction—one of discomfort or dismissal. When we hear ‘play’ at work, we might picture ping-pong tables, scavenger hunts, or trivia nights—activities that feel more like distractions than tools for success. And yes, as someone who’s organized plenty of these over the years, I’ll admit to perpetuating this stereotype. But what if we’ve been looking at play all wrong?
Enter Ben Crowe, best known as tennis champion Ash Barty’s mindset coach. Crowe has worked with everyone from sports stars to CEOs, helping them unlock the connection between their thoughts and actions. His mission? To rebrand play as a cornerstone of innovation and creativity. Bold claim, right? But here’s the part most people miss: play isn’t about goofing off—it’s about engaging deeply with curiosity, experimentation, and authenticity.
‘Play is fundamental to human existence,’ Crowe says. ‘Every company that ever existed started with an idea someone played with.’ Think about it: innovation doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It thrives when we ask questions, take risks, and approach challenges with a sense of wonder. Play isn’t just for kids—it’s how we learn, adapt, and grow.
So, what does play look like in the workplace? It’s not just about team-building activities. It’s a lawyer crafting a clever line of questioning in court, a colleague actively listening to truly understand, or even injecting humor into a presentation. In his book Where The Light Gets In, Crowe shares how he helped Ash Barty infuse play into the mundane post-match interviews. She’d sneak references to Disney movies into her answers, keeping things light while staying professional. When asked about her achievements, she replied, ‘I chat to my niece. Over and over, she tells me you can go to infinity and beyond.’ Playful? Yes. Effective? Absolutely.
But here’s the catch: play requires vulnerability. It means embracing imperfections and being present. ‘As humans, we’re designed to play,’ Crowe explains. ‘What sabotages us is when we care too much about outcomes or other people’s opinions. That’s when we shift from the play state to the fear state.’ So, how do we tap into play at work? Start with curiosity. Ask questions, explore ideas, and don’t be afraid to say, ‘I don’t know.’ Curiosity creates psychological safety, fostering an environment where creativity can flourish.
Work is serious, no doubt. But play doesn’t diminish that seriousness—it enhances it. When we redefine play as a tool for innovation, we unlock its transformative potential. And let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want work to be a little more fun?
Now, here’s the controversial question: Is play undervalued in your workplace, or is it seen as a luxury rather than a necessity? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation about how play can reshape the way we work.
