Playtime is serious business.

Although it might seem contradictory, mounting research indicates that fun shouldn’t cease in childhood. Adult play is beneficial in a variety of contexts, including therapy sessions, people’s personal lives, and the workplace.

It’s not as though Google famously offers its staff members recreational opportunities (such as beach volleyball, bowling, and other games on the tech tycoon’s main campus). Additionally, LinkedIn does not provide its staff with ping-pong and foosball tables for recreational purposes.

Companies from Whole Foods to IDEO to Zynga are exploring ways to encourage unstructured time in the office and incorporate play into the world of work. And they’re doing it for very good reasons. Here’s why playtime should be part of any job.

Play improves cognitive function

Word games, Sudoku, and other activities that directly use cognitive skills have been demonstrated to support healthy brain function. Regular cognitive play leads to improved problem-solving abilities, improved learning retention, and improved creativity and inventive thinking.

Play increases productivity

Contrary to popular belief, taking a break from work and participating in free play can actually increase productivity. On the other side, skipping these unscheduled breaks may lead to poorer work performance. Employees won’t profit from play as much if the rules are stiff or mandated, therefore the operative term here is unstructured.

Play enhances talent acquisition

Employers who encourage fun at work are more likely to recruit millennial employees. Additionally, they are more inclined than previous generations to think that having fun at work helps lessen stress and boost productivity. Thus, integrating play into the corporate culture can be a useful strategy for attracting young talent. By 2025, millennials will make up around 75% of the workforce globally, therefore it’s critical to recruit and keep young talent.

Play reduces stress and burnout

Employers who encourage fun at work are more likely to recruit millennial employees. Additionally, they are more inclined than previous generations to think that having fun at work helps lessen stress and boost productivity. Thus, integrating play into the corporate culture can be a useful strategy for attracting young talent. By 2025, millennials will make up around 75% of the workforce globally, therefore it’s critical to recruit and keep young talent.

Play boosts workplace satisfaction

Employers who encourage fun at work are more likely to recruit millennial employees. Additionally, they are more inclined than previous generations to think that having fun at work helps lessen stress and boost productivity. Thus, integrating play into the corporate culture can be a useful strategy for attracting young talent. By 2025, millennials will make up around 75% of the workforce globally, therefore it’s critical to recruit and keep young talent.

Playtime boosts a company’s performance in almost every area, including staff morale and financial results. Play being valued in the workplace is not only enjoyable, but also a clever, efficient strategy to guarantee economic success.