How to put a little play back in your day
Issue date: 5/5/08 Section: FYI
In the recent study No Vacation Nation (2007), the U.S. Center for Economic and Policy Research found that among the 21 richest countries in the world, the United States is the only nation where paid vacation time is not guaranteed by law. And when time off is offered, it is still usually less than what other countries such as France, Australia and Japan offer.
Before heading up to Human Resources to complain, however, take a closer look at your own work habits. Similar studies found that the average American only uses a portion of his or her vacation time, and even then, many tend to take their work with them. A shift in American work habits from the 1950s is often cited as the cause, but this change in attitude was not a subtle generational one; rather, it was distinct, and, for most, happened sometime around the sixth grade.
With visions of junior high and high school running through young heads, reality crashed through with three simple words, "no more recess." This rite of passage is meant to signify a transition to adulthood. It is the time when words like "playtime" and "fun" are pushed aside for more mature words, such as "responsibility" and "deadline," and eventually, "time management" and "overtime." And so with little resistance, Americans concede that playtime is over.
But the desire to have fun on the schedule isn't just kid stuff. According to a survey conducted by Nestle Crunch Crisp, 70 percent of Americans wish they could have a recess break sometime during their workday. And doing so might actually be to their employer's benefit. An earlier article in Fortune magazine confirms employee motivation and creativity, sparked by activities such as "play," can increase office productivity up to 127 percent.
Finding ways to put a little play in your day can also increase the levels of satisfaction experienced at work. Yet despite these benefits, the Nestle survey found that at 42 percent, almost half of Americans think their workday contains no play whatsoever, and only 39 percent felt their's was a fun or playful workplace.
Before heading up to Human Resources to complain, however, take a closer look at your own work habits. Similar studies found that the average American only uses a portion of his or her vacation time, and even then, many tend to take their work with them. A shift in American work habits from the 1950s is often cited as the cause, but this change in attitude was not a subtle generational one; rather, it was distinct, and, for most, happened sometime around the sixth grade.
With visions of junior high and high school running through young heads, reality crashed through with three simple words, "no more recess." This rite of passage is meant to signify a transition to adulthood. It is the time when words like "playtime" and "fun" are pushed aside for more mature words, such as "responsibility" and "deadline," and eventually, "time management" and "overtime." And so with little resistance, Americans concede that playtime is over.
But the desire to have fun on the schedule isn't just kid stuff. According to a survey conducted by Nestle Crunch Crisp, 70 percent of Americans wish they could have a recess break sometime during their workday. And doing so might actually be to their employer's benefit. An earlier article in Fortune magazine confirms employee motivation and creativity, sparked by activities such as "play," can increase office productivity up to 127 percent.
Finding ways to put a little play in your day can also increase the levels of satisfaction experienced at work. Yet despite these benefits, the Nestle survey found that at 42 percent, almost half of Americans think their workday contains no play whatsoever, and only 39 percent felt their's was a fun or playful workplace.
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