Schedules shift for everyone during the summer! Kids are out of school. Parents manage a mix of work, summer camps and holiday time. There are some important lessons for summertime play that relates to the world of Human Resources (HR).
There are three tenants of playing learning. We will explore each one and discuss how it relates to your organization.
- Choice – children share ideas, set goals and make rules. This requires important business skills like negotiating challenges and specifying timing. Choice encourages open communication and brainstorming.
- Organizational deadlines are set by a variety of factors, both internal and external. When the office is a little quieter, set time aside for informal discussions with your colleagues. Schedule time to explore new ideas.
- Wonder – kids learn from trial and error. This encourages exploration and creativity. It prompts time for imagination.
- Surveys report that employees spend about half of their work time on “busy work”. By contrast, approximately two hours and 50 minutes are spent daily on meaningful work. This highlights the need for employees to think ‘outside of the box’ to discover new ways to accomplish ongoing tasks.
- Delight – this downtime provides children with a cozy and happy feeling. The summer provides much-need breathing room!
- Adults also need downtime during the summer. Some organizations organize special outings, such as going to baseball games or attending an outdoor concert. Whether you enjoy a fun outing with your colleagues or family, enjoy the break from the daily grind.
As experts in HR, we know the importance of supporting a strong workplace culture. The Davidson Group provides strategic HR advice to companies throughout the Southeast. Our clients pay for what they need through a fractional engagement or a retained relationship. The Davidson Group specializes in recruiting, employee engagement and labor/employee relations. We would be happy to discuss how we can work together to support your organization.
