Playfulness in the Workplace: A Systematic Literature Review

The purpose of the study was to synthesize the current knowledge about playfulness in the workplace. It explores antecedents, manifestations, and implications of playfulness across individual, team, and organizational levels, grounded in positive organizational scholarship (POS).

A systematic literature review was conducted using three electronic databases, Web of Science, Scopus, and EBSCO, focusing on peer-reviewed articles published between 2014 and 2024. Following PRISMA guidelines, 35 articles were selected and evaluated. Narrative synthesis with thematic analysis was used.

Findings show that playfulness in the workplace is a complex, evolving concept without a single definition. Three forms are identified: intrapersonal playfulness, in which employees include playful elements in their work tasks; interpersonal playfulness, which encourages collaboration and shared experiences; and organizational playfulness, which incorporates play into work processes. Empirical findings focus on the intrapersonal level through frameworks such as playful work design (PWD) and playfulness climate, influenced by personality traits and task-related factors, with implications ranging from flourishing to creativity, resilience, and well-being. Theoretical and review-based literature expands this to team and organizational levels, suggesting antecedents such as psychological safety and implications including collective tacit knowledge and organizational adaptability.

Understanding the significance and multidimensionality of playfulness in the workplace offers a new perspective, positioning it as a key element within POS that supports both employee well-being and productivity. Results apply to companies willing to integrate playfulness into work environments.