What do you think?
Rate this book
It Pays to PLAY: How Play Improves Business Culture
“All work and no play” makes for a dull workplace…and a costly one. Organizations that provide opportunities for employees to playfully connect, bond, and build friendships see improvements in retention, engagement, and innovation. Intentional play at work creates a culture that benefits all employees’ physical and mental health and the company’s bottom line. It Pays to PLAY is a rich resource filled with ideas for play at work—whether in-person, hybrid, or remote—and illustrates how the ROI from play is multi-faceted and exponential. Learn the ways play can be easily and affordably implemented—regardless of your industry—benefiting everyone from the most junior employee to the C-suite right through to the end customer. It truly does pay to play.
- GenresBusiness
258 pages, Paperback
Published November 9, 2022
5 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
October 31, 2022
I know that a good company culture is one of the most important parts of business, and this book really had concentrated ideas of how to get an amazing culture going. It’s all about being playful. Very practical. Very inspiring.
July 18, 2023
"It Pays to Play" by Kristi Herold is an absolute gem of a book that has left a lasting impact on me both personally and professionally.
Kristi's writing style is engaging and relatable, making it feel like you're having a friendly conversation with a mentor rather than reading a typical business book. Her insights and practical tips for infusing playfulness into work environments are not only refreshing but also backed by research, making them both credible and actionable.
One of the aspects I appreciated the most is how she debunks the myth that play is frivolous or unproductive. Instead, she skillfully demonstrates how embracing play can foster a positive and innovative work culture, leading to increased employee satisfaction and improved productivity.
The real-life examples and success stories shared throughout the book further solidify the notion that play isn't just a luxury; it's a strategic advantage that every organization should embrace. From creative brainstorming sessions to fostering team camaraderie, "It Pays to Play" offers a treasure trove of ideas that can transform the way we approach work.
What sets this book apart is Kristi's passion and genuine belief in the power of play. It's contagious and will undoubtedly inspire readers to take action and implement the principles discussed.
In conclusion, "It Pays to Play" is an insightful, motivational, and transformative read that every leader, manager, and team member should have in their arsenal. Whether you're looking to boost employee morale, enhance collaboration, or simply make the workplace more enjoyable, this book is the ultimate guide to achieving those goals. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking to create a thriving and playful work environment.
Kudos to Kristi Herold for penning this masterpiece that has the potential to revolutionize workplaces worldwide!
Kristi's writing style is engaging and relatable, making it feel like you're having a friendly conversation with a mentor rather than reading a typical business book. Her insights and practical tips for infusing playfulness into work environments are not only refreshing but also backed by research, making them both credible and actionable.
One of the aspects I appreciated the most is how she debunks the myth that play is frivolous or unproductive. Instead, she skillfully demonstrates how embracing play can foster a positive and innovative work culture, leading to increased employee satisfaction and improved productivity.
The real-life examples and success stories shared throughout the book further solidify the notion that play isn't just a luxury; it's a strategic advantage that every organization should embrace. From creative brainstorming sessions to fostering team camaraderie, "It Pays to Play" offers a treasure trove of ideas that can transform the way we approach work.
What sets this book apart is Kristi's passion and genuine belief in the power of play. It's contagious and will undoubtedly inspire readers to take action and implement the principles discussed.
In conclusion, "It Pays to Play" is an insightful, motivational, and transformative read that every leader, manager, and team member should have in their arsenal. Whether you're looking to boost employee morale, enhance collaboration, or simply make the workplace more enjoyable, this book is the ultimate guide to achieving those goals. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking to create a thriving and playful work environment.
Kudos to Kristi Herold for penning this masterpiece that has the potential to revolutionize workplaces worldwide!
November 24, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Must-Read for Leaders Who Want a Thriving, Human Workplace
It Pays to PLAY is the book every modern leader needs on their desk. Kristi Herold doesn’t just talk about fun at work—she shows, with data and real-world examples, how intentional play radically improves retention, engagement, creativity, and company culture.
What I love most is that Kristi makes “play” feel accessible, practical, and applicable to every type of workplace—whether you’re leading a small remote team, a global organization, or anything in between. This isn’t about adding frivolous activities or forcing people into awkward team-building; it’s about creating connection, psychological safety, and genuine moments of joy that help people do their best work.
The book is packed with strategies you can implement immediately (many of them surprisingly simple and inexpensive), plus stories that remind you why human connection is at the heart of every high-performing team. Kristi’s passion and expertise shine through every chapter, and she makes a compelling business case for something we intuitively know but often overlook: play isn’t a distraction from productivity—it’s a catalyst for it.
If you want your team to feel energized, connected, and truly excited about coming to work, read this book. It really does pay to play.
It Pays to PLAY is the book every modern leader needs on their desk. Kristi Herold doesn’t just talk about fun at work—she shows, with data and real-world examples, how intentional play radically improves retention, engagement, creativity, and company culture.
What I love most is that Kristi makes “play” feel accessible, practical, and applicable to every type of workplace—whether you’re leading a small remote team, a global organization, or anything in between. This isn’t about adding frivolous activities or forcing people into awkward team-building; it’s about creating connection, psychological safety, and genuine moments of joy that help people do their best work.
The book is packed with strategies you can implement immediately (many of them surprisingly simple and inexpensive), plus stories that remind you why human connection is at the heart of every high-performing team. Kristi’s passion and expertise shine through every chapter, and she makes a compelling business case for something we intuitively know but often overlook: play isn’t a distraction from productivity—it’s a catalyst for it.
If you want your team to feel energized, connected, and truly excited about coming to work, read this book. It really does pay to play.
September 24, 2023
I've never understood organizations who stifle the best part of people - creativity, camaraderie, fun, laughter, community, bonding, loyalty... Imagine the elevation of our success and happiness if we all went back and applied the principles we learned in Kindergarten. How did we learn in Kindergarten? What helped us to connect? Got our imaginations revved up with ideas? We PLAYED!
This book is a great reminder that at the centre of our organizations, jobs, teams, procedures, goals and KPIs, there's a person (and kid) who's ready to be the best damn employee IF we create a culture that is rooted in our humanity, reminds us that fun isn't a bad thing and gives us permission to playfully connect with the team, and build a community that translates into the workplace.
Filled with anecdotes, testimonials and hard facts, you'll surely find simple and affordable ways to build strong organizational cultures that positively impact the whole company!
Happy Reading!
This book is a great reminder that at the centre of our organizations, jobs, teams, procedures, goals and KPIs, there's a person (and kid) who's ready to be the best damn employee IF we create a culture that is rooted in our humanity, reminds us that fun isn't a bad thing and gives us permission to playfully connect with the team, and build a community that translates into the workplace.
Filled with anecdotes, testimonials and hard facts, you'll surely find simple and affordable ways to build strong organizational cultures that positively impact the whole company!
Happy Reading!
August 1, 2023
It Pays to PLAY is a great read - the book does an amazing job of showcasing the significance of including play in the workplace and the benefits that come along with it. Kristi does a wonderful job of including facts from previous studies and adding her personal touch to give the reader a different perspective on ways to improve business culture. As a full-time employee that has just recently started my career at JAM, I can confidently say that the culture and environment described in this book are translated into our workplace - it really does pay to play! I would highly recommend this to individuals who are looking for ways to increase team morale and make the workplace a fun environment for everyone!
January 16, 2024
It Pays to PLAY is a game-changer in the world of business culture! This book brilliantly explores the transformative power of play in enhancing workplace dynamics. Kristi's writing is not only engaging but also practical, offering a refreshing perspective on how incorporating play can lead to a more vibrant and innovative business environment.
She blends real-world examples with actionable strategies, making it easy for readers to implement play into their own professional lives. Her passion for the subject is contagious, and her expertise shines through every page. This is not just a book; it's a valuable guide for anyone looking to boost creativity, teamwork, and overall satisfaction in the workplace.
She blends real-world examples with actionable strategies, making it easy for readers to implement play into their own professional lives. Her passion for the subject is contagious, and her expertise shines through every page. This is not just a book; it's a valuable guide for anyone looking to boost creativity, teamwork, and overall satisfaction in the workplace.
July 18, 2023
This book is a fairly easy read that is imperative for any business library. It emphasizes the counter-intuitive idea that play belongs in the workplace - not only does it add to quality of life, but adds to the performance of the workplace (or work-play-ce!).
At our accounting firm, we have strived to employ many of the practices shared in this book-- in an industry with higher turnover -- these practices are proven to improve culture and solidify employee retention.
The practical examples and real-life illustrations make this book difficult to put down - highly recommend!
At our accounting firm, we have strived to employ many of the practices shared in this book-- in an industry with higher turnover -- these practices are proven to improve culture and solidify employee retention.
The practical examples and real-life illustrations make this book difficult to put down - highly recommend!
January 16, 2024
"Birds do it, bees do it, even educated fleas do it. Dogs do it, dolphins do it, and every one of us children did it too."
Wait what?
"I'm not talking about sex; I'm talking about play!"
You were probably thinking it was about sex up until that last line about children. Don't worry, so did I. But just like how you were taken aback by the creative wordplay, you'll also be taken back by Kristi's approach to business culture.
You want to learn how to run a business while making sure your employees are having a blast?
Read It Pays to PLAY :)
Wait what?
"I'm not talking about sex; I'm talking about play!"
You were probably thinking it was about sex up until that last line about children. Don't worry, so did I. But just like how you were taken aback by the creative wordplay, you'll also be taken back by Kristi's approach to business culture.
You want to learn how to run a business while making sure your employees are having a blast?
Read It Pays to PLAY :)
November 21, 2022
the most important book on culture you will read maybe ever
This book perfectly summarizes my agencies experience with PLAY. It’s the the most important thing we do together. If you aren’t doing it you can in this book learn how to easily start. If you are doing it you can learn how to do it better. This book is required reading for any leader who wants an easy way to level up their team, class or whole company. Enjoy! And have fun playing!
This book perfectly summarizes my agencies experience with PLAY. It’s the the most important thing we do together. If you aren’t doing it you can in this book learn how to easily start. If you are doing it you can learn how to do it better. This book is required reading for any leader who wants an easy way to level up their team, class or whole company. Enjoy! And have fun playing!
January 16, 2024
A masterclass in the future of business culture! The book skillfully highlights the importance of integrating play in the workplace and the associated benefits. Kristi adeptly incorporates factual insights from previous studies, adding her personal touch to provide readers with a unique perspective on enhancing business culture. I highly recommend this to those seeking effective ways to boost team morale and create an enjoyable workplace atmosphere for everyone.
January 17, 2024
It Pays to Play is a fantastic read. Kristi does an incredible job of explaining the importance of play in the workplace and how it will benefit every company. Kristi even goes into tons of real world examples and provides her own personal experiences. This book is also filled with countless examples of how any business can incorporate play in their workplace ranging from low cost all the way to high cost suggestions. This book should be a must read for all employers!
August 29, 2023
While reading this, I lost track of how many times I said, "Yes!" "Exactly!" "Yes. Yes. Yes!"
I'm not saying that every stuffy downtown office needs to fill their lobby with sand for lunchtime beach volleyball matches, or foosball tables, but they do need to get a clue. Play means so many things.
But what it means most is: Happy employees.
Can we normalize that?
I'm not saying that every stuffy downtown office needs to fill their lobby with sand for lunchtime beach volleyball matches, or foosball tables, but they do need to get a clue. Play means so many things.
But what it means most is: Happy employees.
Can we normalize that?
January 16, 2024
It Pays to PLAY shows why it's important to continue playing and how it can affect the culture of an organization. I've personal believe that when people are happy and having fun they will always be willing to work hard and put in extra effort. This books tells amazing examples on how play can help improve a company. A MUST READ!!!
August 31, 2023
This book really gets it – work doesn't have to be all serious! It's a great read for anyone looking to make their workplace more fun and lively. From personal well-being to company success, It Pays to PLAY shows how a bit of playfulness can make a real difference.
December 21, 2023
This book is a fantastic read for anyone who wants to help improve their company culture. Kristi walks the walk and talks the talk when it comes to these things with her own company leading the way with having one of the best workplace cultures in Canada! Get it, read it, you won’t regret it!
September 13, 2023
A must read book if you are looking to understand about Leadership and ways to Manage your team.
Kudos to Kristi for putting her Experience and sharing it with everyone else.
Kudos to Kristi for putting her Experience and sharing it with everyone else.
July 19, 2024
The book discusses why Play, as a fundamental human need, is important at work, and how to make work more fun, with practical habits and suggestions for leaders to try out.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews