The working environment has recently changed from all work and no play to a somewhat of a more balanced approach – and who can argue? If huge companies such as Google, YouTube, Ticketmaster, Bright HR and RedBull do it, then surely there’s a method to their madness. As demonstrated by these fabulously successful and wealthy companies, the benefits have massively outweighed the initial setup costs of these interactive, fun zones.

Creative thinking and relationships

A fun zone increases the interactions had between your employees, which will encourage them to spend less time on their phones and more time getting to know each other. Having a rapport and social understanding of a colleague they’re working with closely with, will encourage creative thinking and original ideas to bounce off each other. In Yahoo’s offices, staff mobiles are revoked on the basis that there are social areas that have been put into place to encourage friendly relationships and teamwork.

Research studies from Harvard Business Review show that face-to-face interaction is the most important method of communication, as opposed to other forms of communication via emails, Wrike, Skype, Slack… the list goes on. So adding more face-to-face interaction to the mix will surely be a good thing.

Motivation and empowerment

Workers will feel valued in a company that provides a flexible working environment, which means they’re more likely to work harder and achieve better results than those who feel undervalued and receive little to no perks.

Empowering your workforce with the option to step away from workstations and into a relaxed area where they can unwind, will encourage them to find the perfect harmony between work and play. Anyone under a lot of stress managing projects with unachievable time constraints are unlikely to produce a high output of quality work.

It’s a fact that when humans are under a lot of stress, parts of the mind such as intuition, emotions and communication shut down. This is why fun zones in the workplace are important, as they will aid relaxation and bring back motivation to those who are feeling burnt out.

Satisfaction and future planning

Offering a nice environment will enable your workers to feel connected to the business – purley client orientated companies have a tendency to make staff feel undervalued, resulting in a high turnover of employees. By investing in a nice office with breakout areas, you’re making your staff a big part of the picture. This could make a tremendous difference and prevent your talent from going elsewhere!

If you’re looking to invest in your staff and are looking to create an office fun zone it’ll be worth asking them what they might like. This shows the company is being transparent and honest, thinking about their staff’s future and welfare, as well as involving them in big decisions that’ll impact them day-to-day.

Benefits beyond the basic

If you want to attract the top creative people, you need to be able to offer benefits beyond the basics, so you can stand apart from similar creative firms. Attracting talent will only help you to produce greater results for your business and by taking the time to invest in your people, your company will be known and well-respected within the industry.

Invest and improve

Whether you’re a digital marketing agency or a video game company, there’s always room for some fun! Here are a number of things companies have added to their offices:

– Slides
– Bars
– Table tennis tables
– Football tables
– Swings
– Ball pits
– Ice hockey tables
– Bowling alleys
– Indoor gardens
– Yoga and meditation areas

Arc Business Interiors offer office design, office fit out and office refurbishment services to clients across Leicester, Nottingham, Derby, Birmingham, Northampton and beyond. We can tailor our services to your company’s needs, so whatever it is you have in mind, speak to our experts who will work closely alongside you. Together we will create an inspirational office interior, designed with your company’s best interests in mind.