Why Adult Play Is a Serious Business Strategy

Play isn't something we outgrow, it's something workplaces train out of us. Research increasingly shows that play at work is a great tool for wellbeing, retention, and performance.

It Cuts Burnout and Turnover

The Association for Psychological Science has highlighted research showing that play at work is linked with less fatigue, boredom, stress, and burnout, and is positively associated with job satisfaction and creativity. HelpGuide.org adds that companies building play into the workday see more productivity, higher job satisfaction, greater morale, and a decrease in employees skipping work and staff turnover a big part of why tech companies invest in games, classes, and playful breaks.

It Sharpens Thinking and Creativity

Big Think reports that studies show play increases creativity, productivity, and group cohesion, even boosting memory and brain connectivity through activities as simple as doodling. Stuart Brown, founder of the National Institute for Play, puts it plainly, happy people are more productive, creative, and adaptable, and even small doses of play can make people more productive and happier across the board.

A Word of Caution

Play isn't a cure all. The Association for Psychological Science notes that unmanaged play can tip into distraction and lost productivity, so the goal is intentional, well-placed moments of play not a ‘play all day’.

The Takeaway

Short, social, low-pressure moments of fun are a retention and performance tool, not a distraction from real work. Teams that play together stay together and think better while they're at it.

Sources: Association for Psychological Science, HelpGuide.org, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, Big Think, and WitWorks.