The phrase “work hard, play hard” has been around for a long time. It’s nothing new. But, when people generally think about it, they’re imagining working hard during the week and having fun either after work or on the weekends. This is an outdated interpretation of the phrase, especially in today’s startup culture.
Millennials have been a driving force to change this culture so that working hard and playing hard can all be done in a day’s work. In a time when there are open office schemes with multiple kegerators and in-office games aren’t uncommon, employers and their employees are having plenty of fun during their 9-5 schedules while still being highly efficient. This format can breed creativity and inspiration. For example, Google offices are equipped with libraries, aquariums, slides, and a rule that nobody’s workspace is allowed to be more than 100 meters away from food (providing employees with three free meals a day). Google is well known for their office atmosphere and their success is inspiring others.
What were once considered distractions are now thought of as necessary interruptions to the stress and monotony of a long day or week. This way of thinking can work in large companies as well as small companies. It is running rampant through the small company/startup culture because it is easily applicable. And larger companies know that in order to compete, they must evolve.
Generation Y has grown up in a faster pace/social media society. The old habits of working professionals don’t necessarily fit their evolving lifestyle. A more fun and high-pace working environment has startups all over the country working at peak efficiency where creativity thrives and employee turnover is low.
Do you believe in the traditional work hard, play hard lifestyle with fun and games saved for outside the office? Or, do you lean more toward flexibility and less traditional means of production in your day to day operations?
Millennials have been a driving force to change this culture so that working hard and playing hard can all be done in a day’s work. In a time when there are open office schemes with multiple kegerators and in-office games aren’t uncommon, employers and their employees are having plenty of fun during their 9-5 schedules while still being highly efficient. This format can breed creativity and inspiration. For example, Google offices are equipped with libraries, aquariums, slides, and a rule that nobody’s workspace is allowed to be more than 100 meters away from food (providing employees with three free meals a day). Google is well known for their office atmosphere and their success is inspiring others.
What were once considered distractions are now thought of as necessary interruptions to the stress and monotony of a long day or week. This way of thinking can work in large companies as well as small companies. It is running rampant through the small company/startup culture because it is easily applicable. And larger companies know that in order to compete, they must evolve.
Generation Y has grown up in a faster pace/social media society. The old habits of working professionals don’t necessarily fit their evolving lifestyle. A more fun and high-pace working environment has startups all over the country working at peak efficiency where creativity thrives and employee turnover is low.
Do you believe in the traditional work hard, play hard lifestyle with fun and games saved for outside the office? Or, do you lean more toward flexibility and less traditional means of production in your day to day operations?
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