Does playful work design ‘lead to’ more creativity? A diary study on the role of flow

Playful work design refers to the process through which employees proactively create conditions within activities that foster enjoyment and challenge without changing of job itself. Using flow theory, we propose experience more work-related (work enjoyment, absorption, intrinsic motivation) on days when they playfully their – with positive implications for creative performance these days. In addition, based trait activation hypothesize proneness strengthens relationship playful flow. A daily diary approach was employed test hypotheses. total, 149 participants completed both baseline questionnaires across five consecutive working (total N = 552). Alternative Uses Task used measure objective creativity at work. Multilevel analysis showed positively associated flow, significantly related a basis. high (vs. low) in reported designing We discuss theoretical practical findings.