Optimal Flow Experience
Have you ever experienced flow (I am sure you have, but perhaps not know that is what the researchers call it).
Although it occurs quite a lot during special activities such as sport, hobbies etc., Optimal experience actually occurs when people are at work more often than at leisure. It is characterised by absorption, enjoyment and intrinsic motivation (one of the original studies is by Csikszentmihalyi & LeFevre, 1989). It tends to occur in situations where people are challenged to use their skills to an optimal level (balancing challenge and skills), are stimulated and have sufficient support or resources to aid them. Professional work where skill requirements are ongoing and interactions with clients/colleagues or activities for self development are frequent, are potentially more likely to experience flow. This type of experience is also likely to reduce the impact of any negative job demands.
Flow experience also helps to enhance crativity, can be catching (in other words, if you are immersed and enjoying yourself your colleagues are more likely to also) and of course is a great feeling!
I am doing some research on flow experience at work at the moment, and will shortly be posting a link to a survey (and you will all get feedback about the results of course) - but if any of you would like to comment about whether you experience flow at work I would love to hear from you.
kind regards
Stephanie
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Hi,
