The research is in. Play works at work. Including elements of play in the workplace is not just good for employees; it’s also good for companies. That’s why some companies have adopted happiness as a business model.
Far from the old-school philosophy of nose-to-the-grindstone all work and no play, this new way of looking at the workplace is sweeping the globe because it offers so many benefits and helps employees integrate their life and their work.
- Boosts Creativity – Research indicates that play opens up neural connections leading to greater creativity and stops censoring thoughts. Experts recommend a little play before a brainstorming session to open participants up to new – and novel – possibilities.
- Improves Problem-Solving – Unhappy people complain and believe their opinions and their joy do not matter. Happy people provide solutions because they value their work and the satisfaction of people they work with.
- Raises Energy – Interaction through play gets people up and moving around. This is especially important for people sitting in cubicles and working independently. An inactive body can sometimes make the mind sluggish, too.
- Improves Productivity – While it seems that play is a waste of valuable time that could be spent on projects, the opposite is actually true. People need a break and without time out to have a little fun they find other, less beneficial, ways to check out when they need a rest. Play increases motivation so time spent working is more productive and also reduces time lost to sick days.
- Reduces Turnover – Happy people stay. Happy people are pro-company. Happy people know that their performance affects the company performance – and that results in greater success for everyone.
