With workplace culture evolving rapidly, companies that prioritise fun and play aren’t just boosting morale; they’re also enhancing creativity, teamwork and overall job satisfaction. Studies show that a playful work culture fosters innovation, improves engagement and enhances productivity. However, some business leaders may hesitate to introduce play in the workplace due to concerns about cost, productivity and return on investment (ROI).
Marieta Kruger, wellness manager at Medihelp, explains,
“The key is finding a balance where play complements work rather than disrupts it. We believe that a healthy work-life balance includes moments of play, which is why we incorporate engaging activities into our workplace culture. Our initiatives are designed to foster teamwork, promote wellness and create an environment where employees feel motivated and valued.”
The science behind play at work
Play isn’t just for children; in fact, it can have numerous health benefits for adults. Neuroscientific research shows that play activates brain circuits linked to problem-solving, collaboration and stress relief. According to Kruger, employees engaging in playful activities “experience a sense of freedom that allows fresh thinking, stronger connections with colleagues and increased motivation”. Research also suggests that play enhances focus and efficiency, making time spent on fun activities a long-term productivity booster. Several businesses worldwide successfully integrate play into their corporate culture:
- Google. Known for its creative office spaces, Google has play areas, nap pods and gaming zones to encourage spontaneous idea generation.
- LEGO. Employees at LEGO are encouraged to play with its products, fostering innovation through hands-on creativity.
- South African companies. King Price understands the importance of having fun at work, incorporating unconventional office spaces, fun zones and play into its culture.
Injecting fun into the workplace
Fun at work is a prescription for a healthier, more engaged workforce. Smaller businesses can adopt low-cost strategies such as gamified challenges, flexible break times or simple team-building activities.
Kruger shares four easy-to-implement remedies to take a workplace from dreary to dynamic:
Dose 1:
Gamified challenges. Boost engagement with a little friendly competition. Think step challenges to get people moving, trivia quizzes to sharpen minds or problem-solving games to turn teamwork 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 with fun activities and comfortable lounges. Medihelp’s Wellness Hub is stocked with puzzles, board games and a blackboard where employees can doodle, share messages or jot down their favourite quotes. Our honesty library and free gym classes create spaces and opportunities to recharge. These small escapes help beat the afternoon 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 takes brainstorming to the next level with hackathons, vision boards and creative techniques to develop fresh solutions. Some teams kick off monthly engagement sessions with icebreakers, while our quarterly town hall meetings start with music and themed dress-ups. Great ideas happen when people are relaxed, engaged and having fun.
Dose 4:
Flexible Fridays. Themed dress-up days, casual networking or social hangouts are easy ways to boost morale and bring teams together. At Medihelp, we love celebrating special events like Youth Day and Heritage Day with themed outfits and Wellness Hub activities.
Measuring ROI of workplace play
Tracking employee engagement scores, absenteeism rates or productivity levels before and after implementing play-based initiatives are effective ROI measurements. If employees are more motivated, creative and collaborative, the investment pays for itself. By integrating play into the workplace – whether through planned events or small everyday moments – companies can foster a culture of engagement, creativity and wellbeing. The result? Stronger teams, happier employees and a more successful business.
