You’ve just spent the last couple of hours drafting a report and number crunching last year’s financials. There’s a bit of a headache looming on your horizon. But now that the boss has rushed off for a meeting, the opportunity to fire up Solitaire and spend the next few minutes relaxing is too tempting. And let’s admit it, we’ve all given in to that temptation. And after a furtive five minutes, we always feel better.

Now would you imagine anoffice where such fun behaviour isn’t frowned upon but actually encouraged? Nowadays most people spend their entire working day staring at a computer: this reality is fuelling the increasingly popular concept of having breakout and game areas at work.

Employers are acknowledging the fact that employees need to rest while at work. Rather than encouraging waste of time, it is now widely accepted that rooms where employees can wind down actually boost productivity and well-being.

Of course, not all companies can afford to allocate the necessary space and cost to install a cool games room or breakout area. However, even with a tight budget, you can still dedicate a small section of office space where employees can step away from their desk and get a needed time-out.

The cool factor

Bare walls, modern art, the latest gadgets and innovative design: these are all elements that boost a company’s cool factor. However, having a games room at the office isn’t only important for the sake of looking cool.

By moving away from the dreaded cubicle layout, companies can show that they are embracing a different workplace culture. After all, office design reflects a company’s culture.

It is widely acknowledged that Google has some of the best offices in the world. Most of Google’s offices include a slide. The one in Google’s San Francisco office, for instance, is a multicoloured giant that is fully enclosed and drops a whole floor. Business technology consultancy firm Infosys also invests a lot in breakout areas: its offices in Mysore, India even include a bowling alley.

Now both these features aren’t there just to allow employees to play during their break. Rather, they break down traditional conservative office norms while encouraging workers to connect through a fun activity.

Attracting talent

An office games room can be a great recruiting tool. Take tech companies, for instance: they invest a lot in turning their offices into fun spaces. And that, in itself, attracts potential employees. The tech industry is one of the more cut-throat and recruiting young and top talent is key to success.

An aesthetically inviting workplace is an important ingredient in successful recruitment. After all, who wouldn’t want to work in an office where employees look like they’re having so much fun? It’s not just a perk but also an indication that you’re valued by your employer.

Boosting morale

Playing games at the office not only boosts your morale but also makes you feel part of a team. Having a table soccer or billiards table at the office can be very effective vehicles for team-building and interaction with your colleagues. In turn, this boosts employee satisfaction: happy employees work harder and smarter. Even having a darts board in the staff canteen or organising a five-a-side football tournament for all employees goes a long way in keeping employees happy.

Relaxation and well-being

Apart from the social aspect of having a games room at the office, it’s always beneficial for employees to relax in-between tasks or at the end of a long day.

A games room not only allows employees to feel at home but also boosts well-being. If employees put in a lot of effort, why not let them enjoy themselves for a few minutes by relaxing in the break-out area? Not only will it give them rest from the task they have just completed but it also allows them to focus for the next project.

After all, how many times have you had a great idea while playing a game of table tennis with a colleague? Relaxation and well-being encourage creativity and this, in turn, boosts productivity. It’s a win-win situation.

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