Playing games and going to work are two phrases that don’t naturally fit together. However, recent studies suggest that while doing your job may not do much for your gaming abilities, regularly playing games in your spare time can actually boost productivity and performance in the workplace.
Mental exercise
In 2018, researchers at Brigham Young University found that playing video games with coworkers for 45 minutes improved productivity by up to 20%. There are many theories as to why this might be the case, but one of the most convincing is that many games, including but not limited to video games, provide a stimulating workout for the brain. Just like physical exercise, this mental exercise strengthens muscles, improves performance, and lets you function at a higher and more demanding level for longer.
Focus and attention
Regular gamers seem to be better at focusing on demanding tasks, concentrating on a particular subject for a longer span of time than non-gamers. They also tend to be able to sort information quickly and efficiently. When these problem-solving skills are necessary in order to succeed at a game, players develop them because playing a game repeatedly is fun. These abilities are obviously eminently transferable to many workplace situations, but take longer to develop in official work training because in that context they are not seen as fun, but as an onerous chore.
Stress relief
Playing games can also relieve and release the stress that often builds up during the working day. Employees aged over 21 in New Jersey can go to the best NJ online casinos in order to play for money responsibly at a wide range of casino games and sports betting opportunities. This should leave them happier and more relaxed, which in itself can boost productivity levels by 12%. In sales-focused jobs, it’s been found that happy salespeople perform better by 37% than those who are unhappy or frustrated.
Improved morale
Coworkers playing together in their breaks, or on organized nights out, can be an excellent team-building exercise that boosts workplace morale and encourages cooperation. Multiplayer video games, table games, or activities such as paintball can help with team bonding, encourage competitiveness, and develop leadership qualities such as initiative. Games can also be a confidence booster and can help to improve communication between coworkers.
Is there a downside?
As with any activity, it is possible to spend too much time playing games. It’s important to get a good night’s sleep, spend time with friends and family, and enjoy gaming as part of a balanced lifestyle. Generally, however, games provide a healthy safety valve, allowing us to escape from our everyday problems for a while and to work off aggressive feelings, rather than let them spill over into the real world.
Employees who play games tend to be happier, more relaxed and have sharper minds. They are able to work on their own initiative and solve problems quickly. Whether you play alone in the evenings or on your break, or get together with your coworkers to form a gaming club, it turns out that game players make better workers in every way.
