Play at Work
The Secret Sauce for Impact
When was the last time your team played? Not a “fun icebreaker” at the start of a meeting but actual play—something joyful, creative, and maybe even a little silly?
Nonprofit work often feels too urgent, too big, and too heavy for play. We’re juggling tight budgets, ambitious missions, and the pressure to make an impact every single day. In the face of that, play can feel like a luxury—or worse, a waste of time. But here’s the truth: play isn’t frivolous. It’s fuel.
Play is where creativity, collaboration, and innovation come alive. It’s the key to unlocking fresh solutions to tough challenges. And in nonprofits, where we need to stretch resources, think outside the box, and tackle the world’s biggest problems, we need that creativity more than ever.
Why Play Matters for Nonprofits
Play isn’t just about having fun—it’s about creating the conditions for your team to thrive. Here’s how play can transform your nonprofit workplace:
It Builds Connection
Play breaks down barriers. It helps people connect as humans, not just as colleagues or job titles. This matters in nonprofits, where our missions are fueled by people working together toward a common goal. A team that laughs together works better together.It Reduces Stress
Let’s face it: nonprofit work can be overwhelming. Play provides a mental reset, a moment to step back and recharge. It lowers stress levels and boosts morale, so your team comes back to the hard stuff with fresh energy.It Sparks Creativity
Play encourages experimentation, curiosity, and thinking outside the box—all essential for solving problems in new ways. Whether you’re brainstorming a fundraising campaign or reimagining service delivery, a playful mindset can lead to breakthroughs.It Reinforces Your Mission
Nonprofits exist to bring hope, solutions, and joy to the communities we serve. When we model play and creativity in our workplaces, we embody that same spirit. It’s a reminder that doing serious work doesn’t mean we have to take ourselves too seriously.
How to Bring Play Into Your Nonprofit
Incorporating play into a nonprofit workplace doesn’t mean forcing everyone into trust falls or elaborate games. It’s about creating opportunities for joy, connection, and creative freedom. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Celebrate Small Wins: Have a team dance party, joke competition, or silly prize for hitting milestones. Recognizing progress in fun ways keeps spirits high.
Host a Play Break: Schedule 15 minutes for something lighthearted during the week—a team trivia challenge, a drawing contest, or even a group walk-and-talk.
Bring Play to Meetings: Start meetings with something fun, like a quirky question (“If our nonprofit were a food truck, what would we serve?”) to loosen up and spark creative thinking.
Encourage Side Projects: Let team members take on low-stakes creative projects—designing a fun flyer, dreaming up a “what if” program idea, or crafting something for the office. Play often hides in passion projects.
Play is Not a Distraction—It’s a Strategy
Nonprofit work will always have challenges, deadlines, and tough days. Play doesn’t erase those realities, but it equips your team to handle them with resilience and creativity. It reminds us why we care about this work in the first place and brings a sense of joy and hope into our day-to-day operations.
When we prioritize play, we’re not just creating happier workplaces—we’re laying the foundation for better ideas, stronger teams, and ultimately, greater impact. So, go ahead. Give your team permission to play. They deserve it—and your mission will thank you for it.
