Exploring Fun as a Job Resource: The Enhancing and Protecting Role of a Key Modern Workplace Factor

Abstract

Workplace fun, defined as the result of organic or organized activities that cause enjoyment in the workplace, has become increasingly important for both organizations and employees. Efforts to create a fun workplace are rooted in the notion that such experiences can contribute positively to the affective, cognitive and behavioral functioning of employees. Conceptualising workplace fun as a job resource two functions of fun are revealed; its enhancing role and its protective role. Workplace fun as a job resource can function as a social support mechanism and have a significant impact in buffering job demands while at the same time increasing positive outcomes through job engagement. We propose a theoretical model that helps better understand its function as well as its necessity and offer propositions that can help future research. Furthermore, taking into consideration the literature on the negative side of fun, we examine trust as an important moderator of fun's results on key outcomes and freedom of expression as a key prerequisite for workplace fun. Finally we have identified nudging, job crafting, and appreciative inquiry as potential avenues for promoting organic and organized activities that can contribute to a culture that supports workplace fun.

The possibility of disalienated work: Being at home in alternative organizations

“…These descriptions might remind us of accounts of workplaces filled with props from leisure and home life: bean bags, ping pong tables and game consoles (e.g. Georganta, 2016; Salati and Focardi, 2018). Such spaces, while in many ways evoking a similar notion of homeliness, rest on a more manipulative form of social engineering.…”

Well—That was a surprise!

“…In addition to traditional types of social support, is there any place for play and fun during such times? (see Georganta & Montgomery, 2016). What is the role of the leader in making the most of the human capital in their organizations during times of crises?…”

Work–leisure blending: An integrative conceptual review and framework to guide future research.

“…In the organization sciences, attending social events with coworkers and bringing family to company picnics is linked to higher employee closeness (Dumas et al, 2013). In the face of increasing demands, workplace fun has also been viewed as a form of social support, promoting job engagement and creativity (Abramis, 1989; Georganta & Montgomery, 2016). Medical researchers have likewise explored how doctors and residents have fun at work by using humor with each other about their patients (Wear et al, 2006).…”