Games in the workplace run counter to everything that is culturally acceptable in the average office or workplace. The idea that playing games is counter-intuitive to a productive workday is one thing almost all businesses and organizations tend to agree on.
Despite this, playing games – or, at least, playing the right kinds of Playing Games – can in fact be the complete opposite. Creating an engaging working environment, increasing employee satisfaction, and reinforcing key business skills can all be achieved through play-based activities.
The impact of different types of games on workplace productivity will be examined in detail below.
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Using video games to build teamwork
Successful businesses are built on the foundation of a cohesive and harmonious team. Teamwork does more than forge close relationships among employees, it promotes an environment of open communication and co-working, which, in turn, helps businesses achieve impressive results.
Every year, some companies spend substantial amounts on team-building activities such as away days and residential training courses without realizing that the same results can be achieved with a simple video game.
Taking part in video games together fosters strong social bonds among team members. The system quickly identifies the role that employees feel most comfortable performing on the team, such as plant, shaper, implementor, or strategist. Likewise, it can also provide them with the opportunity to develop new skills and become involved in new roles, all while being engaging and engrossing.
Furthermore, playing video Playing Games has a direct impact on team productivity, which is yet another good reason to encourage employees to break out their gaming consoles.
As much as 20% of productivity can be attributed to teams that play a collaborative video game for 45 minutes a day, according to a study conducted by Brigham Young University.
Play games of skill and strategy to become a better entrepreneur
It is also true that certain video and online games can provide a whole host of benefits directly related to making you a better entrepreneur.
Using a game like World of Warcraft, a player must demonstrate effective leadership skills, manage finances and resources, and demonstrate tactical proficiency. As a result of regularly playing games of this kind, gamers develop an ability to absorb information and make rational decisions under pressure.
Whether played online or in person, classic games and card games improve performance at work. You will need to be a few steps ahead of your opponent to play games like poker and blackjack effectively since they are Playing Games of skill.
Performing effective bankroll management is also a benefit of playing casual online slot games, a skill that transfers directly into the business environment when budgets need to be managed.
A strong risk management skill can also be developed through skill and strategy games. There are a high number of calculated and strategic risks involved in playing these games, whether there are in-game deaths and setbacks, or real money rides on the outcome. Basically, business owners have to make daily decisions based on this type of information.
How board games can benefit you
Despite the benefits of modern video and online games in the workplace, traditional board games like Monopoly, Cluedo, and Trivial Pursuit should also not be overlooked. In today’s culturally diverse workplaces, even Playing Games without obvious business management elements, like Monopoly, can develop a variety of soft skills that are crucial.
A charades-inspired picture game like Pictionary, for example, may not seem to offer obvious benefits to a workplace or business, but the sport that requires empathy and observational skills to succeed will definitely improve the EQ level of participants.
In contrast, Cluedo emphasizes the need for deductive reasoning, while Trivial Pursuit emphasizes the importance of diverse knowledge and quick recall.
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