The Games We Play: How Games at Work Can Boost Morale and Improve Productivity

Who says work can't be fun and games? According to the official home of the popular Fish! series of films and books, "People who find ways to incorporate ‘play' into their daily lives approach their work, responsibilities and challenges with energy and enthusiasm." If that's the case you ask, then why aren't we all playing a little more at work? Good question!

If you are a manager or have any type of leadership role in your company, office games and icebreakers are a great way to boost morale, build confidence and facilitate teamwork among your staff.

Games can range from a 5 to 10 second physical activity to a 30 minute group discussion. In order to be effective, participants need to be involved physically and/or mentally. Games are not only fun but can be highly effective communication and problem solving tools. The following are just a few ways that a little playtime can benefit your organization.

Staff Meetings: The words "staff meeting" normally send chills up most people's spines when they think of these long boring events where the speaker seems to go on and on with a monotone voice or always seems to pick on you to answer a question just as you're mentally checking out. By incorporating a group activity into the meeting, employees are not only more involved, but more attentive. If used correctly, games can support the objective of a meeting and bring the point home in an entertaining and unique way.

Presentations: Any presentation can be livened up when you get the audience involved. Posing fun thought provoking questions to your audience or having them participate in an ice breaker or problem solving activity not only keeps them alert and focused, but opens the lines of communication and makes your presentation more memorable in the process.

Corporate Retreats: Corporate retreats are a great way to introduce team building activities. By participating, employees form bonds, build trust and can be themselves in a neutral environment without the distraction of the office. Participants come away having learned something new about themselves and their colleagues, and many develop new personal and professional alliances that they would not have otherwise formed.

In the book, "The Big Book of Business Games" the authors suggest the following guidelines when deciding to use games or icebreakers:

1. Select Games Carefully

Be sure the games you choose fit not only the style of the presentation and objectives of the meeting, but also the participants.

2. Consult with Others

Talk with others who have used or participated in games and get their feedback on effectiveness, outcome and the kinds of games they've used in the past.

3. Have an Objective

What do you hope to accomplish by using the game?

4. Have a Backup Plan

In the event something goes wrong with the planned game, have an alternative game to put in its place.

5. Pre-Test the Game

Practice with colleagues, friends or family and make sure you understand how the game works before using it in your meeting or presentation.

It's also important to plan ahead when choosing a game to play. Make sure you gather all the necessary materials you will need, decide in which portion of the meeting or event you will introduce the game and develop a list of discussion questions to be used afterwards.

The possibilities are endless when it comes to all the different ways you can incorporate team building activities into your business environment. The bottom line is that by adding a little fun into otherwise bland activities, your organization will improve, and employees will be happier, more enthusiastic and more productive which makes for good business.

Suggested Reading:

The Big Book of Business Games by John Newstrom & Edward Scannell
The Big Book of Team Building Games by John Newstrom & Edward Scannell
The Big Book of Humorous Training Games by Doni Tamblyn & Sharyn Weiss
Fish! A Remarkable Way to Boost Morale & Improve Results by Stephen C. Lundin, Ph.D., Harry Paul and John Christensen.