Last week I wrote about the emergence of the office nap room. Buttressed by research into the heath and productivity benefits of napping, companies have set up places where employees can lay back and grab a bit of rest in order to recharge or just catch up on some sleep.
So, yeah, sleeping on the job is now just fine in certain offices. So what other workplace taboos can we turn into worker benefits? How about playing video games?
Creative businesses like advertising agencies have long had rooms filled with toys and video games to spark the imagination of employees. Tech companies like Google are also known for having gaming systems in communal spaces. (Go here to have a look at two Google employees doing battle in Guitar Hero.) Some are now making the argument for on the job gaming in industries that aren’t particularly artistic or creative, or connected to technology.
“Following the red-hot gaming trend the U.S. video game industry reached $12.5-billion in 2006 --companies across the country are designating office areas for the sole purpose of gaming,” notes a recent article on Entrepreneur.com. “They're finding that not only do their game rooms help boost employee morale and solidarity, but they're also helping attract a younger workforce and increase productivity.”
The piece cites a survey by WorldWinner that found more than 80 per cent of online gamers who play a bit at work said they could better focus after a game. “A reported 72 per cent actually rely on game breaks to help them deal with job-related stress,” the article reported.
Uh huh. If I’m a gamer, am I going to tell a polling firm that playing games at work is bad for me? I don’t think so. But that doesn’t denigrate the value of playtime.
Critical Mass, an interactive services firm with offices in Canada, is listed as one company using a games room. Its founders “show prospects the game room to give them a feel for the company and its culture.” The company’s Calgary office recently had a tournament for NHL 2007 on the Xbox.
One of the more surprising workplaces using a gaming room is Banner & Witcoff, a law firm in Washington, DC.
“We work hard as attorneys, and we like to play hard," said one firm lawyer and shareholder. (That particular lawyer also happens to blog about issues related to the gaming industry…)
The article also lists Edmunds.com, an automotive information website, as another proponent of the office gaming room.
The value of play at work has been proven in many studies. And more and more workplaces are realizing that offering a place for relaxation or casual interaction is good for morale and productivity.
But it all makes me wonder what workplace sin is next to be turned into a necessity. Perhaps stealing office supplies (they remind employees of the office!). Or surfing porn (it’s a great stress reliever!).
For now, though, here’s a link to five of the best games to play on your office PC. That should sort you out until the office gaming room is up and running.
