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Improv at Work

Remote-Friendly Improvisational Theatre Games for Teams in the Workplace

Elyssa Lakin

Benefits

Incorporating improv games at work can:

Enable trust and

psychological safety⁠

🦺

Encourage a

“yes, and”⁠

mentality ✅

Foster inclusivity and belonging 🤝

Serve as a status equalizer ☯️

Reinvigorate an overworked team 🍹

Promote teamwork and collaboration 🎉

Develop other desired competencies 💪

Practice

assumption of positive intent⁠

👍

Reinforce the company’s core values 🧱️

Best Practices

To maximize the benefits above, strive to apply the following guidelines:

The moderator (or “emcee”) should not be a member of the team playing the game.

Ideally, the moderator should be from the People Team! Unless of course, the People Team is participating. In which case, a moderator from a different team is suggested if possible. 🎤

If the moderator will need to be from the team playing, aim to alternate moderators each session. ⏩

Create an equitable environment for play.

Ensure remote team members have working video and audio before starting. 🔊

Play the game at the start of a meeting, or at the return of a break.

Aim to keep game(s) about 5-7 minutes in length.

If a game runs short, feel free to play it again with a different input applied. 🔁

Do not allow observers.

When one or more person(s) are not participating, they may unintentionally counteract many of the

benefits⁠

of the activity. 👎

Avoid categories and topics that invoke politics, religion, or other sensitive subjects.

The moderator has veto power! ❌

🏆 Pro tip: Meet with the manager of the team before the meeting to align on which exercise(s) will best serve their team that day.

⁠

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Choose for me!

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Track My Game

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This doc is inspired by PIT comedian and writer Pete LePage & the Patient Advocacy team at Parachute Health.

Benefits

Best Practices

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