The Role of Play in Reducing Workplace Stress

Work stress. Ugh, we’ve all been there, right? That pressure cooker feeling when your to-do list keeps growing, and no matter how much you try, you’re still stuck answering the same never-ending emails.

And let’s not even talk about meetings—back-to-back, all day. It’s like running a marathon, but without the finish line or even a water break.

Here’s the deal: stress is everywhere. It’s not just you. And honestly, it’s draining. Productivity? Yeah, that’s gone. Creativity? Forget about it. You’re too busy trying to survive the day to think about anything new.

But… what if there’s another way? What if we’re thinking about stress all wrong? (And no, this isn’t about adding more vacation days or mandatory yoga sessions in the break room.) What if—just hear me out—it’s about play? Yup, you heard that right. Play. Or, more specifically, team building activities. It sounds a bit out there, but some companies are starting to figure out that letting people have a little fun can change everything. People relax, stress levels drop, and—surprise—they’re getting more done. I mean, who wouldn’t want that?

Understanding Workplace Stress

Stress at work? It’s a given these days. And it’s only getting worse. Whether it’s the never-ending emails, impossible deadlines, or back-to-back Zoom calls, it feels like stress is just part of the job description now. In fact, a 2023 Gallup report says that about 60% of global employees are either “quiet quitting” or dealing with serious stress (Workweek)(ADP Research).

And let’s be honest—it’s not just the workers feeling it. Businesses are taking a hit, too.

So, what’s causing all this stress? The usual suspects. Too much work, not enough time, and zero communication. Throw in unclear expectations from management, and it’s no wonder people are burning out. It’s like trying to juggle while riding a bike—something’s bound to crash.

And the fallout? Well, it’s bad. For employees, stress leads to burnout, anxiety, and even more serious mental health issues. For businesses? You’re looking at absenteeism, high turnover rates, and a major drop in productivity. Oh, and did I mention stress-related absenteeism costs the global economy trillions of dollars? Yeah, trillions (Workweek)(ADP Research).

Why Play Matters in the Workplace

Alright, let’s talk play. Feels a bit strange to say, right? But stick with me—there’s some real science behind it. Adding a little fun to the workday can do wonders for how we feel and how we work. I’m not suggesting we all start playing tag in the hallways (though that could be fun). I’m talking about small moments where people can relax, reset, and connect. Team building activities can be a game-changer in this context.

When we play, our bodies naturally lower stress hormones like cortisol, making us feel… well, less stressed. And when stress levels go down? People think more clearly. They get creative. They’re not just surviving the day—they’re actually thriving. No wonder companies that introduce team building activities are seeing big benefits. People bond better, communicate more, and everything feels, well, a little lighter (Workstars)(Type A Training).

Take team building games, for example. These aren’t just awkward icebreakers. When done right, these activities help people step out of their daily grind and connect with their coworkers in a meaningful way. It’s those moments of laughter, teamwork, and yes, even a little competition, that really recharge the brain.

Implementing Play in the Workplace

So, how do you bring play into the office without turning it into chaos? Honestly, it’s easier than you’d think. Play doesn’t have to disrupt everything. You can sprinkle it into the workday naturally. Here’s how:

• Micro-breaks with a twist: Instead of a regular coffee break, throw in a quick puzzle or trivia. Low-effort, fun, and guaranteed to get people laughing.
• Gamified tasks: Add a little friendly competition to everyday tasks. Set up a leaderboard for completing projects or hand out small rewards like picking the next lunch spot.
• Organised team building activities: Companies like Banana Life have this down to a science. These structured activities let people step away from their desks, get creative, and bond over something fun.
• Virtual team building activities for remote workers: Just because your team is remote doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. Virtual escape rooms, team building games, or even a playful challenge on Slack can keep the energy up.

Why this works: These activities let people reset, connect, and laugh, whether it’s during a quick micro-break or an all-out team building activity. And when people feel connected and relaxed, they work better.

Suggestions for getting started:

• Start small by adding playful moments to weekly meetings.
• Organise a quarterly team building event to help everyone recharge.
• For remote teams, schedule regular virtual game sessions or challenges to keep the playful spirit alive.

Play isn’t about slacking off. It’s about finding space to be creative and reduce stress, which leads to a more engaged, productive team.

Real-World Examples and Success Stories

Now, let’s look at how companies are actually using play to reduce stress—and seeing real results.

• Zappos: Ever heard of Recess Tuesdays? Yep, Zappos gives employees time to go outside and play. Whether it’s basketball, volleyball, or even four square, the goal is simple: recharge and come back refreshed (Type A Training). This is a great example of integrating team building activities into the workday.
• Google: Google’s famous for their playful work environment. With game rooms, nap pods, and even meditation spaces, they’ve made team building activities a central part of their company culture. And guess what? It’s part of what keeps their teams so innovative (Workstars).
• NextJump: These folks have made well-being a priority. Between team building games, fitness classes, and “unsick days” (yep, that’s a thing), they’ve seen happier employees and even a boost in sales (Workstars).

These companies prove that play isn’t just for fun. It helps employees reset, bond, and come back ready to tackle work with fresh energy.

Wrapping It Up: Why Play Might Be the Best Stress Buster You’re Not Using

At the end of the day, play isn’t just some fluffy extra. It’s a practical, effective way to help people de-stress and work better. Companies like Zappos, Google, and NextJump are proof that a little fun can go a long way in creating a healthier, more productive workplace. Whether it’s through team building activities or structured team building games, introducing moments of play could be the game-changer your team needs.

So, don’t overthink it. Start small. Give your team moments to play and unwind, and watch how it boosts both morale and performance.  That’s all for now!