Play Benefits are Numerous!
Anyone who’s a parent will tell you there is a huge benefit to telling the kids to, “Go Play!” It’s called silence. Just kidding, actually, Not kidding.
There are many documented play benefits, but today we want to talk about a specific context. While there are many applications, we want to share the 4 benefits of play for your workplace:
Mama called the doctor and the doctor said . . .
People who play are generally speaking, healthier, both physically and mentally. Yay for them, right? Well, yes, but yay for you too. Why? Because you reap the benefits of play with lower absenteeism, more focus, more optimism, and more engagement!
More than just a busy bee . . .
People who play are more productive! So, you can see how this would be ideal for an employee to be more productive, right? We don’t have to spell this one out for you? But play really does make people more productive by improving memory, efficiency, and motivation.
Picasso must have played A LOT. . .
People who play are more creative! Playing, in its many forms leads to more adaptability and an open mind. Furthermore, it creates new neural connections in the brain. So, what you’ll see in the workplace is imaginative solutions to existing problems. Additionally you might see innovative new strategies, products, and services.
No Kumbaya campfire required. . .
People who play are more cooperative. Play boosts individuals ability to communicate and work with others. In addition, play develops empathy, compassion, and trust.
Luckily, these are just a few of the many benefits of play at work. And hopefully, you can see they all have an impact on the bottom line. So what will your response be?
Stop working around and get back to play!
In a few weeks we’ll discuss how a meeting planner can harness these benefits for participants. So, what are some of the ways you’ve seen play at work in your office?
PS – Think we just make this stuff up? Check out this great list of articles:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/zahra-ebrahim/benefits-of-play_b_1973705.html
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/elisha-goldstein-phd/benefits-of-play_b_1382871.html
http://www.inc.com/eric-holtzclaw/how-playing-games-increases-workplace-productivity.html
http://www.helpguide.org/articles/emotional-health/benefits-of-play-for-adults.htm#work
http://psychcentral.com/news/2009/04/17/leisure-play-is-important-for-human-collaboration/5398.html