Yes, And: Redefining What Wellbeing Can Be
What if workplace wellbeing could include more play, curiosity, and shared laughter?
At the 6th Annual Wellbeing Think Tank Summit, Kickstand Comedy invited participants to explore how improv practices can support joy, connection, psychological safety, and collaboration at work.
Yes, And: Redefining What Wellbeing Can Be
This interactive BeWell Workshop explored how improv practices can support joy, connection, and wellbeing while helping individuals and teams get out of their heads and into more creative, collaborative ways of working.
In collaboration with Kickstand Comedy, the session focused on how play, curiosity, and shared laughter can strengthen relationships and unlock new possibilities. It was especially relevant for leaders, facilitators, and anyone working within teams who wants to build psychological safety, inclusion, and stronger collaboration.
Joy, Creativity, and Connection
One of the key takeaways from the session was that joy fuels creativity and strengthens relationships. Joy can help people reconnect to meaning in their work, especially when they are given opportunities to be present, playful, and engaged with one another.
The session introduced improv principles as a practical framework for wellbeing and team development. Practices like “Yes, and,” active listening, and collaborative play were positioned as tools to build empathy, creativity, and psychological safety.
The underlying idea was that structured play helps people experiment, connect, and understand one another more deeply. These are all essential ingredients for healthier relationships and stronger team functioning.
Leading, Following, and Building Together
The session also highlighted that great leaders both initiate ideas and actively support the ideas of others. In improv, this balance is essential. In the workplace, it can shape how teams collaborate, communicate, and share ownership.
Activities like the one-word game and collaborative letter exercise sparked creativity, adaptability, and shared responsibility. They also demonstrated that collaboration is about how people listen, respond, and build together.
For teams, this is an important reminder. Strong collaboration often depends on people knowing when to step forward, when to support, and when to stay open to what others are creating.
Openness and Inclusion
Another important theme was openness and inclusion, especially through a “Yes, and” mindset. This approach invites people to build on ideas rather than shut them down too quickly.
In workplace wellbeing, this matters because wellbeing is not one-size-fits-all. Remembering people’s “why” reinforces the importance of listening before designing solutions.
When leaders listen for the needs, preferences, and barriers behind what people share, they can better understand what support might actually feel meaningful and accessible.
Community Reflections
The session was highly interactive, with both in-person and virtual participants engaged in improv games and reflection activities.
In-person attendees displayed visible joy, laughter, and connection. Some noted that the activities increased eye contact, shifted the energy in the room, and helped them stay present. Virtual participants played along through the chat and remained supportive, even when some activities felt a bit clumsy online.
A standout moment came when attendees who indicated they were more introverted and less likely to speak up, volunteered to share reflections. It was a meaningful example of how inclusive environments can encourage contribution and confidence.
One reflection captured the spirit of the session well: “Curiosity allows us to add, whereas judgment subtracts.”
A Takeaway for Leaders
One practical takeaway from this session is to lead with curiosity rather than judgment.
The next time someone shares an idea, concern, or request, pause before moving into problem solving. Ask what might be underneath it. What matters to them? What barrier are they naming? What support would help them feel seen, included, or better able to participate?
Leading with curiosity opens space for learning, multiple perspectives, and innovation. It also helps create environments where creativity and wellbeing can naturally thrive.
Continuing the Conversation
What felt most meaningful about this session was how improv created a pathway for empathy and creativity through something as simple as play. The laughter in the room helped break down barriers and made connection feel natural rather than forced. As we continue exploring art, play, and human flourishing this quarter, this session offered a reminder that wellbeing can grow through shared joy, curiosity, and connection. We invite you to join us at an upcoming event and be part of the conversation.
Wellbeing Think Tank brings together people who care deeply about creating healthier, more human workplaces. Learn how to join our community and stay connected to evidence-based learning and events throughout the year.
If you believe accessible, trusted resources should continue to be available to all, consider making a tax-deductible donation. Your support helps us continue to offer education you can trust, inspiration that you need, and resources so you can take action for wellbeing.
