What Makes a Work Assignment Fun?
Most work is not fun. At my job, the tasks I am assigned are typically not enjoyable. But every now and then, I get the privilege to do something that actually feels fun. Recently as I was wrapping up one such task, I asked myself: "What made this task so much more satisfying than my typical work?" Here is what I came up with:
The task is important, but not too important
If I get the impression that my work will never see the light of day, or not provide the business any value, then I will not be able to take pride in it. I will feel like I am wasting time and money, and not being a productive member of the organization. However, if the task is too important, then I will likely feel pressure to deliver quickly and not make any mistakes. There is a "Goldilocks zone1" of pleasurable work, and while it is necessary to operate outside that zone most of the time, the assignments that fall into it are the most fun.
The task is not menial or repetitive
I do not want to work on something that requires me to become a human "for" loop2. I will probably spend the entire time thinking about how the process could be automated. If I am able to automate it3, then the work involved with creating that automation could be fun. But for a variety of reasons, some workplace processes must remain manual. I just hope to not be the poor soul who has to complete them.
The task has a definitive end
Some projects drag on and on, with no light at the end of the tunnel. Maybe the requirements keep changing or the scope keeps expanding. I like to have some variety, and I struggle to keep interested in a specific topic for long periods of time. One of the ways that I can stay focused and motivated is by seeing the progress that I make towards a goal. If there is no finish line, then it can be difficult to measure.
The task is challenging, but achievable
A task that is an immediate piece of cake is not fun. One of the enjoyable aspects of work is the process of learning and discovery, and when these are absent, things can become boring. On the other hand, it is gratifying to set out an a difficult quest and eventually complete it. Any task that is too far beyond a person's capabilities may just causes feelings of frustration and lead to stagnation.
The task is collaborative, but separable
Two brains are better than one. I like to work with others to gain a new perspective and combat loneliness. Of course, some people are miserable to work with. It can even be painful to work with a competent and respectful coworker when there is not a clear division of responsibilities. I do not want others to step on my work, it is aggravating and inefficient. At the outset, each person should have an understanding of where their domain ends and how they fit into the bigger picture.
Reflection
A task that meets all the above criteria can be quite fun. One benefit of reflecting on these guidelines is that it helped me to realize how they closely align with the S.M.A.R.T. goal setting framework4. S.M.A.R.T. is an acronym for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. It serves as a reminder for setting effective goals of any kind. Perhaps a work assignment can be understood as a goal, and we can strive to create tasks that are S.M.A.R.T. in nature.