Taken from Jess’s longer LinkedIn article A Case for the Use of Play to tackle the De Humanising of Workplace Culture, here are 7 reasons to get you playing at work!
1. Play gets results, fast
Play cuts through the “red tape” of powerpoint presentations, complicated office dynamics and concepts. Play gets straight to the heart of the matter and brings results, helping to smooth differences and bring common ground. Most importantly, play can achieve these benefits whilst participants are having fun and feel happy.
2. Fun, joy, creativity and lower stress levels
Play supports resilience and function under stress – by playing regularly, this ability to connect with joy and fun is far from frivolous. As endorphins go up, stress levels go down and are kept in check by development of a creative, playful mindset.
3. Play is inclusive and cuts through hierarchy
Play is a great leveller; it can help newer members of staff integrate into a team and get to know their colleagues in a different context. This also works at the other end of the spectrum; it can be very humanising for staff to laugh and play in this context with their boss. To be seen as more than the manager can make a big difference to being seen as approachable and more than just the person who signs the checks and gives the orders.
4. Taking a break from usual work routine is refreshing
Play helps workers to take a break from their phones and desks, providing an opportunity to step into a different state of mind and return energised and refreshed.
5. Play supports cross organisational cooperation
Play provides an opportunity for social interaction among staff and across teams, encouraging smooth operation and cross functional working throughout the organisation.
6. Play boosts confidence and helps with presentation skills and problem solving
Play encourages creative thinking and problem solving skills – the quick- thinking encouraged by some games and activities translates well into ability to develop confidence around looking at things from a new perspective, and finding creative solutions to challenges.
7. Play promotes good communication skills and teamwork
Involvement in games of any kind elicits transferable skills from participants which require them to work together, support one another, listen and cooperate in order to get the most benefit. Again, the key is also the enjoyment factor, making play a winning ingredient in supporting staff wellbeing and helping to work through any challenges.
Find out more about our fun team building workshops and our INSET training.
Too busy for a team event? Why not book a block of Laughter at Lunchtime sessions?
