Why Play? Reflections from August 2020
A summer month spent looking at how play sharpens focus, supports wellbeing and helps people work together more effectively.
Worth reading
Three reasons play mattered this month
Across workplaces, classrooms and homes, play returned to the centre of everyday conversation during August 2020.
Play restores focus
Short, playful breaks helped people return to demanding tasks with a clearer mind and fewer errors.
Play builds connection
Shared games and light-hearted challenges gave remote colleagues and families a reason to talk openly.
Play supports learning
Trying new ideas in a low-pressure setting made it easier to experiment, ask questions and recover from mistakes.
Bringing play into the working day
Many teams found that structured play, such as a five-minute quiz or a collaborative puzzle, reduced tension before difficult calls. The habit was simple to adopt and cost very little.
- Start meetings with a short, low-stakes game
- Schedule playful breaks between demanding tasks
- Review what made the activity enjoyable and repeat it
Case notes from the month
Two examples that show how play can be applied with purpose.
Card games for remote teams
Short rounds of collaborative card play gave dispersed teams a shared activity that did not depend on work targets.
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Building blocks and problem solving
Open-ended building tasks encouraged children to test ideas, adjust plans and explain their reasoning to adults.
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Outdoor play and wellbeing
Summer weather encouraged families and colleagues to move their games outside. Time in the open air, combined with active play, gave many participants a welcome change of pace.
Playing outdoors also made it easier to step away from screens and reconnect with the people around us.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Brief, well-chosen play activities can improve concentration, reduce stress and make collaboration feel less formal.
Most teams find that five to ten minutes is enough to reset attention without disrupting a schedule.
Not at all. Cooperative games often produce the strongest sense of connection, especially in mixed groups.
A ten-minute quiz at the start of our Monday call changed the mood of the whole team. People arrived calmer and more willing to share ideas.
Team Leader, Customer Operations
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