National Fun at Work Day, celebrated on the last Friday of January, is more than an excuse to let loose—it’s a chance to transform workplace culture. A survey conducted by BrightHR found that 79% of employees believe that fun at work leads to higher productivity. This day provides the perfect opportunity to step away from routine and reimagine your office as a hub of connection and joy.
Inspired by Dr. Stuart Brown’s book Play: How It Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul, play personalities represent how individuals uniquely experience joy and engagement. By aligning activities with these personalities, workplaces can ensure that everyone finds a way to connect and have fun.
Play Personalities and Activity Ideas
1. The Joker
Traits: Thrives on humor, silliness, and bringing joy to others.
Activity Suggestion: Host an office stand-up comedy session or improv games to unleash everyone’s inner comedian
2. The Kinesthete
Traits: Feels most alive when physically active.
Activity Suggestion: Organize a flash mob dance, office yoga session, or company-wide pickleball tournament.
3. The Explorer
Traits: Loves discovery and new experiences.
Activity Suggestion: Arrange virtual travel sessions, cultural experience workshops, or team scavenger hunts.
4. The Competitor
Traits: Enthusiast for contests and challenges.
Activity Suggestion: Set up a friendly office Olympics with events like desk chair races or trivia contests.
5. The Director
Traits: Enjoys organizing and leading.
Activity Suggestion: Let them plan a themed office day or coordinate a team-building retreat.
6. The Collector
Traits: Finds joy in gathering objects or experiences.
Activity Suggestion: Facilitate a swap meet where employees trade books, collectibles, or even recipes.
7. The Artist/Creator
Traits: Draws joy from crafting and building.
Activity Suggestion: Set up a ‘Create Corner’ with supplies for painting, crafting, or digital art creation.
8. The Storyteller
Traits: Loves narratives and imagination.
Activity Suggestion: Host a storytelling circle or scriptwriting contest, encouraging participants to weave captivating tales.