BLUECHIPPRACTICE
BLUECHIPPRACTICE MANAGEMENT | OperationsThe power of play in the workplace:how fun fuels successWith workplace culture evolving rapidly, companiesthat prioritise fun and play aren’t just boostingmorale; they’re also enhancing creativity, teamworkand overall job satisfaction. Studies show that aplayful work culture fosters innovation, improves engagementand enhances productivity. However, some business leaders mayhesitate to introduce play in the workplace due to concerns aboutcost, productivity and return on investment (ROI).Marieta Kruger, wellness manager at Medihelp, explains, “Thekey is finding a balance where play complements work rather thandisrupts it. We believe that a healthy work-life balance includesmoments of play, which is why we incorporate engaging activitiesinto our workplace culture. Our initiatives are designed to fosterteamwork, promote wellness and create an environment whereemployees feel motivated and valued.”The science behind play at workPlay isn’t just for children; in fact, it can have numerous healthbenefits for adults. Neuroscientific research shows that playactivates brain circuits linked to problem-solving, collaborationand stress relief. According to Kruger, employees engaging inplayful activities “experience a sense of freedom that allows freshthinking, stronger connections with colleagues and increasedmotivation”. Research also suggests that play enhances focusand efficiency, making time spent on fun activities a long-termproductivity booster. Several businesses worldwide successfullyintegrate play into their corporate culture:• Google. Known for its creative office spaces, Google has playareas, nap pods and gaming zones to encourage spontaneousidea generation.• LEGO. Employees at LEGO are encouraged to play with itsproducts, fostering innovation through hands-on creativity.• South African companies. King Price understands theimportance of having fun at work, incorporating unconventionaloffice spaces, fun zones and play into its culture.Injecting fun into the workplaceFun at work is a prescription for a healthier, more engagedworkforce. Smaller businesses can adopt low-cost strategiessuch as gamified challenges, flexible break times or simple teambuildingactivities. Kruger shares four easy-to-implement remediesto take a workplace from dreary to dynamic:Dose 1: Gamified challenges. Boost engagement with a littlefriendly competition. Think step challenges to get people moving,trivia quizzes to sharpen minds or problem-solving games to turnteamwork into a winning strategy. The perks? More motivation,fun and a workplace that feels like a community.Dose 2: Interactive break areas. Create dedicated spaces withfun activities and comfortable lounges. Medihelp’s Wellness Hubis stocked with puzzles, board games and a blackboard whereemployees can doodle, share messages or jot down their favouritequotes. Our honesty library and free gym classes create spacesand opportunities to recharge. These small escapes help beat theafternoon slump and encourage cross-team connections.Dose 3: Playful meetings. Make meetings matter (and fun!).Infuse brainstorming sessions and meetings with role-play,improv exercises or problem-solving games. Medihelp takesbrainstorming to the next level with hackathons, vision boardsand creative techniques to develop fresh solutions. Some teamskick off monthly engagement sessions with icebreakers, whileour quarterly town hall meetings start with music and themeddress-ups. Great ideas happen when people are relaxed, engagedand having fun.Dose 4: Flexible Fridays. Themed dress-up days, casual networkingor social hangouts are easy ways to boost morale and bring teamstogether. At Medihelp, we love celebrating special events likeYouth Day and Heritage Day with themed outfits and WellnessHub activities.Measuring ROI of workplace playTracking employee engagement scores, absenteeism rates orproductivity levels before andafter implementing play-basedinitiatives are effective ROImeasurements. If employeesare more motivated, creative andcollaborative, the investmentpays for itself. By integrating playinto the workplace – whetherthrough planned events orsmall everyday moments –companies can foster a cultureof engagement, creativity andwellbeing. The result? Strongerteams, happier employees anda more successful business.Marieta Kruger,Wellness Manager,Medihelp Medical Scheme48 www.bluechipdigital.co.za
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