What if the key to a thriving workplace was something as simple as play? Could fostering creativity, community, and cognitive development unlock innovation and connection among employees? In this episode of Workplace Weirdness, host Maya Kadar Kovalsky is joined by Yolonda Deon, founder of Mindful Play Learning, to discuss the power of "play" in the workplace. Yolonda, a certified birth and postpartum doula, shares her unique journey and insights on mindful play, highlighting how it fosters a positive work culture. They explore the three C's of play—community, creativity, and cognitive development—and how these elements improve engagement and productivity.  Tune in for practical advice on mentorship, mindfulness, and embracing imperfections to build a more fulfilling work environment. Key Takeaways The significance of play in the workplace and its impact on work culture The three C's of play: community, creativity, and cognitive development The consequences of a lack of play in office environments, including toxicity and dysfunction The importance of intergenerational mentorship and learning from both successes and mistakes Strategies for overcoming imposter syndrome in professional settings The value of mindfulness practices in the workplace and addressing judgment from colleagues The importance of authenticity and self-acceptance in navigating workplace challenges Encouragement for organizations to redefine play and create supportive environments for employees In This Episode [00:01:11] Introduction to Yolonda Deon [00:01:38] Yolonda's first doula experience [00:04:36] The three C's of play [00:07:27] Role of play in office culture [00:10:46] Weirdest workplace moment [00:14:46] Trends in work and career paths [00:20:11] Leveraging employee creativity [00:23:18] Intergenerational play in the workplace [00:26:27] Imposter syndrome in social situations [00:28:10] Navigating social interactions [00:32:39] Mindfulness in a toxic environment [00:33:58] Addressing workplace comments [00:36:16] Workplace friendships vs. colleagues [00:41:15] Handling mistakes in professional settings [00:46:06] Closing thoughts Notable Quotes [00:07:54] "When play is not a part of workplace culture, that's when you get the toxicity. That's when things don't always go well. That's when we find that there are problems in the workspace." — Yolonda Deon [00:23:34] "We learn through our elders, either through their triumphs or their mistakes, and that's important for them to be able to reach back and teach the next generation." — Yolonda Deon [00:26:27] "I think imposter syndrome is such a big thing in this world that we live in now." — Yolonda Deon [00:32:39] "If going to that meditation room helps you to feel better, then focus on that. Keep meditating, keep doing your thing, and if you feel like you need to go to someone, go talk to HR and let them take care of it for you." — Yolonda Deon [00:44:21] "My heart is always in the right place. I never mean to hurt anyone's feelings or make anyone feel uncomfortable. Charge it to my head, not my heart." — Yolonda Deon Resources and Links Yolonda Deon Website LinkedIn Maya Kadar Kovalsky Website LinkedIn Workplace Weirdness Email: info@workplace-weirdness.com SpeakPipe Website Instagram