Complimentary yoga classes, regular parties, and ping pong tables. It might not seem like your classic office atmosphere. However, young entrepreneur-led companies have all started to apply the principles of a fresh, fun and creative work space, by bringing play into the workplace. After all, all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. Miserable employees will have a significant effect on other employees and in return on the company. Besides, who wants to work with a downer? And if no work is getting done, the impact on the company will be profound.
Creating a fun atmosphere doesn’t have to be complicated. Even a very brief boost of fun can improve productivity, such as watching a quick comedy video. Other ideas include a fun team-building outdoor game during lunch, bringing Friday happy hours into the workplace, or creating clubs that meet for an hour every now. Of course, not everyone will benefit from forced fun, so make sure there’s a spot for spontaneity, and keep the lines of communications open. Whatever the way, the positive effects will be impossible to ignore. Workplace fun has been linked to several positive factors, and here are just a few of the reasons why you should introduce play to your workplace:
1. Relieve Stress
Dealing with work stress is hard, and most people can find it difficult to create a work-life balance. Fighting this problem head-on and creating an atmosphere where it’s fun and enjoyable to work is essential to not only help your employees but to make your own business successful. A happy workplace will mean fewer sick days and harder work.
2. Boost Productivity
Happy employees are productive ones. When an employee is feeling down, their motivation drops significantly as well. Research has suggested that employees with a positive mindset are more productive than those with a negative mindset. Creating a space for your employees to feel free to have fun will make the office feel like a happy place, bring in more productivity and people will find the job they’re doing more rewarding.
3. Help Collaboration Between Co-Workers
The Greek philosopher Plato once said, “You learn more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation.” A relaxed work space makes it easier for employees to move from being just colleagues to becoming friends. Working with your friends, rather than just work colleagues, will make the collaborations and communications much more effective, and easier to manage. By playing games and having fun, it’s much easier and quicker to get to learn each other’s habits and traits, and in return work together more efficiently.
4. Improve Creativity
We’re constantly encouraging children to learn through play. But as adults, we’ve started to shy away from applying that to ourselves. It is known that the ability to learn increases when the task is enjoyable, so why not try to make it as fun as possible? Play is an important part of healthy creative development, and an increased imagination will massively help with daily problem-solving.
These are only just some of the many reasons to add play to your working day. If you’re interested or need any help, feel free to get in touch and email us at contact@experts.shakeuptheworkplace.com
