There are plenty of reasons not to take a break during the day. You just need to make a quick phone call, or finish up this last report, or update this spreadsheet. Working straight through the day can sometimes make us feel like we're getting more done, but sometimes the opposite is actually true.
Studies show that all work and no play is no good. Taking a break during the day alleviates stress and refreshes the mind, resulting in greater productivity, higher levels of accuracy and better overall mental health.
Recess for Adults
A growing number of companies have recognized the benefits of entertainment breaks, where employees are permitted to
play games during periodic breaks throughout the day. Instead of forbidding or merely tolerating game play, these companies openly encourage it. While excessive distractions on the job can be a problem, playing casual online games at work for short periods of time can actually leave employees feeling recharged and better focused.
In many cases, casual online games serve as digital stress busters. "As human beings, we cannot think of two competing forces at the same time," said Dr. Carl Arinoldo, a Long Island psychologist. "So when a person is thinking about something that is fun and good, the stressful things that are bothering her don't have time to get in. It shuts the door, and gives the person a mini-vacation."
Can Playtime Work for You?
If you think workplace game play comes with a set of rules, you might be surprised that many companies which have incorporated entertainment breaks into the normal day have found that no additional rules need to be implemented. The people who try to abuse the break time are generally the same ones who were already spending half their workday playing games secretly at their desks. The majority of employees find that even a few minutes of approved play time is great for getting the creative juices flowing and keeps them motivated throughout the rest of the day.
By entrusting employees with the flexibility to take short breaks to play games or to take part in other stress-busting activities, companies increase workplace satisfaction, improve employee loyalty and stimulate creativity. These companies are better able to attract younger employees, and build better employee bonds. When people love what they do and where they work, their productivity improves, when stress is reduced creativity comes to the forefront, and when employees build better relationships, everyone from the ground up benefits.
Morning, Noon or Night?
A recent survey showed that about 40 percent of all players are white collar, with about a fourth of those playing games during work "for a break." The biggest contradiction seems to be when game play works the best. Of the 2,842 participants in a recent PopCap games survey:
- 61% said they play during lunch or other official break periods.
- 52% said they play during my work day, when I need a short break.
- 19% said they play at the end of my work day, to unwind.
- 11% said they play at the beginning of my work day before I get started.
It's not just lower- and mid-level employees getting in on the fun. Senior executives made up 9% of the survey participants, and of them:
- 35% of senior executives said they play casual games at work.
- 70% said they play during work, when I need a short break.
- 61% said they play once a day or more frequently during each work day.
- 71% said their typical game-play session at work lasts 15 minutes or longer.
Everyone needs a chance to decompress during the day, and playing online games is an ideal solution. After all, a happy employee is a valuable employee. So give your team members a chance to play a quick game and see how much more productive they become.
About R.L. Fielding
R.L. Fielding has been a freelance writer for 10 years, offering her expertise and skills to a variety of major organizations in the education, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, financial services, and manufacturing industries. She lives in New Jersey with her dog and two cats and enjoys rock climbing and ornamental gardening.
