Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 16, 2025

Four Temporary Waterslide Designs Adapted to Different Slope Conditions to Encourage Child Socialization in Playgrounds
Published on: December 9, 2022
Playful Work Design: Introduction of a New Concept
Arnold B Bakker1, Yuri S Scharp1, Kimberley Breevaart1
1Center of Excellence for Positive Organizational Psychology, Erasmus University Rotterdam (The Netherlands).
Abstract:
This article introduces the concept of playful work design-the process through which employees proactively create conditions within work activities that foster enjoyment and challenge without changing the design of the job itself. First, we review play theory and the motives people may have to play during work. In addition, we use the literature on proactive work behavior to argue that individuals can take personal initiative to increase person-job fit. Combining these literatures, we provide a theoretical framework for playful work design. We discuss the development and validation of an instrument to assess playful work design, and review recent studies to elucidate the psychological effects of playful work design and its possible outcomes. Finally, we briefly discuss practical implications.
Related Concept Videos
Social Foundations of Self I: Play and Game
Principle of Virtual Work: Problem Solving
To apply the principle of virtual work,...
Design Example: Designing Water Slide
Bernoulli's principle determines the water's velocity along the slide....
Design Example: Managing Concrete Workability
Design Consideration
The factor of safety is another key...
Work
Work is defined as the result of a force acting on an object, causing it to move along the line of action of force. It is also defined as the process of transferring energy through the application of force on an object, resulting in its displacement.

