Make Work Play: Changing Our Viewpoint About Work

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There is more thinking and talking about “work” and what it means now than at any time I can remember. Certainly, we are living in a time of change and the nature and paradigm of work is changing with it. I am all for this discussion and the adaptation of new ideas about when, where, and how we work. But there is something more fundamental about work we can adapt, too. It is our fundamental view of work.

What Does Work Mean to You?

The word “work” carries meaning for everyone – and for most people it isn’t 100% positive.  Work is something we have to do. Most people say they wouldn’t work if they didn’t have to – which is one reason why people look forward to retirement so much. The synonyms for “work” support this view.  They include effort, struggle, obligation, exertion, sweat, toil and struggle.  I suppose it isn’t surprising people can’t wait for quitting time or Friday afternoon.

While all of this is the generalized view of work, what is yours?

What if it Could Change?

What if you saw work differently?  For example, if you saw your work as more like play – more enjoyable and less exertion – would it change your attitude, mental health and results when doing it?

More specifically, think of a time when you did enjoy your work – how was your experience different?

Making the Change

While it is easy to think about how our experience of work could change if our thoughts about it changed, those thoughts are deep seated. Those thoughts come from our language, as we have seen, and also from media, our conversations, and our life experiences.  Chances are you developed your view of work first from your parents, and how they talked about the work, their boss and perhaps how they “worked for the weekend!”

If you would like to change that view of work, and see it a little more like play and a little less of a pain, start with this question:  What do you love about your work?

Before you read on, think about your answer…

Some Thoughts from Others 

 A recent poll revealed answers from respondents to this question:

What do you love about work?

In each response you see a passion and a caring about work that was different from what I described above. And there is no doubt that each of those respondents were more effective and productive in their work, as well as happier too.

The answers were categorized  into the reasons they gave – their answers as to why they love their work. This wasn’t a formal survey, the pollster simply asked the open-ended question I asked you.  Some people responded with a brief line; others provided paragraphs.  From their answers the categories you see below were created. You may find it instructive that most respondents had more than one reason they loved their work.

Sense of purpose                                         22.5%

The work itself                                              19.7%

Problem solving/overcoming challenges   11.3%

Helping others                                              11.3%

Coworkers/team                                           9.9%

Coaching others                                           5.6%

Fun                                                                 5.6%

Other answers included flexibility, variety, relationships at work, and personal growth.

There is more I could say about these results that apply directly to this article.  Let me just say this:  If you find any of these things in your work – and recognize it – your view of work will likely be healthier and more self-sustaining than if you don’t.  Part of it is perspective and mindset, but some of these items a leader can help people see too – especially the number one item on the list.

To your greater success and harmony,

Peter Mclees, Leadership Coach, Trainer and Performance Consultant
SMART DEVELOPMENT

 

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Having worked with several companies throughout their growth cycle, we have valuable insights and strategies that would help any late stage startup, small or medium sized company achieve sustained growth and prosperity.