The Power of Leisure!
Wednesday, June 21, 2017 - Joe Kiedinger
“Creativity doesn’t happen during moments of work, it happens during moments of leisure.”
– Albert Einstein
Ah, Summer! I am fortunate to have a little place of leisure in Tomahawk, WI. It’s nestled in the woods and is less than 1,000 square feet. It’s one cozy dwelling. It certainly is a place of leisure that our family values.
Leisure is important at work as well. There are many who believe that social talking, laughing or “goofing” around is not productive in a work setting. The research shows otherwise. In the Summer months, I often head up north midday on Friday’s. This last week I decided, due to weather and Father’s Day, we would stay at home.
I went home for lunch, had a meeting and then headed back to the office. It was around 3:00. People were doing Dignify Check-Ins over beers. They were visiting Broadway shops: candy, coffee, restaurants, ending their week with leisure style settings. When they returned they were light and happy. I was delighted to feel the positive energy beaming off of everyone.
This interaction with team and leisure type activities builds strong cultures. You want employees to like each other, bond, laugh and yes, work together. By encouraging this behavior you are building a team that when times get tough, stick together.
When employees have the freedom to be themselves, true innovation, efficiency and team work can and will occur.
Joe Kiedinger
ACTION PLAN: Good news! You don’t have to plan a “fun day” to encourage work leisure. You simply need to give people permission for leisure time at work! They will take care of the rest!