b'BUSINESS MANAGEMENTSERIOUS WORK, STRATEGIC PLAY: UNLOCKING PRODUCTIVITYBy: Jonah Moore, Kreiling Roofing CompanyThe roofing industry doesnt play around, and thats exactly the problem.G rit, discipline, and a get-it- That fuel is frequently scarce in a field like ours done attitude are qualitiesthat is high-pressure and high-stakes. wetakegreatpridein.We frequently focus on increasing productivity However, many of us came to believethrough stricter scheduling, improved logistics, that professionalism is linked with seriousness andor more oversight, but we hardly ever inquire that play had no place in the workplace or on aas to whether employees are emotionally and construction site. As someone who appreciatescognitively engaged in their work. Your bottom line enjoyment as well as someone who has spentis significantly more at risk from a distracted crew enough time with weary workers and burned-outmember who is merely going through the motions estimators to know that something has to give, Ithan from someone who is laughing while working.want to question that notion. The Business Case for PlayWhat if adding a little play to our operations servedAccordingtoresearch,play-basedsettings as a performance tool rather than a diversion? contributetobetterlearning,strongerteam What We Get Wrong About Play relationships, lower stress levels, and higher levels The word play conjures up thoughts of idleness,of innovation, something that many corporate or waste of business funds. However, accordingleadersoutsideofoursectoralreadyknow. to organizational psychology, play is an inherentlyBusinesses have incorporated play into their work driven activity that fosters participation, flexibility,environments because it helps them outperform creativity, and interpersonal relationships. Play istheir rivals, not because its trendy. not the opposite of work, it serves as its fuel.The ROI of play may appear slightly different in 8 www.mrca.orgMidwest Roofer'