17101-3 Unlocking Creativity at Work in Society 5.0: The Role of Playful Job Design in Shaping Employee Initiative

Abstract

As the transformation toward Society 5.0 progresses, organizations are increasingly expected to support employee creativity and adaptability within environments shaped by artificial intelligence and digital innovation. While job crafting is widely recognized as a proactive behavior that enhances organizational resilience, limited research has examined the influence of playful work design on job crafting, particularly within the Indonesian context. This study aims to address that gap by exploring whether playful work design significantly predicts job crafting among employees in Indonesia. The central research question is as follows: Does playful work design predict job crafting behavior among employees across various occupational sectors in Indonesia? A quantitative research design was applied. Data were collected from 430 employees aged 17 to 65 years, using convenience sampling across sectors including education, healthcare, services, and manufacturing. The study utilized two validated instruments, namely the Playful Work Design Scale and the Job Crafting Scale, both of which showed acceptable reliability. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and simple linear regression. Findings reveal a significant and positive relationship between playful work design and job crafting. Employees who perceive their work as enjoyable, stimulating, and autonomy supportive are more likely to engage in task modification, cultivate meaningful social interactions, and enhance the personal relevance of their work. This study emphasizes the strategic importance of incorporating elements of playfulness, creativity, and autonomy into work environments to foster employee engagement and adaptability. Practical implications suggest that organizations can foster job crafting by encouraging participative goal setting, providing flexibility in task execution, and designing roles that nurture enjoyment and personal growth. Overall, the study contributes to the understanding of how human-centered design principles support sustainable work motivation and innovation in an era increasingly defined by artificial intelligence.