Gaming at work. Is it acceptable?

Salar Davari
69 replies
A friend of mine suggested that I should allow or even invite my employees to play a group online game one hour a day. I think it might bring a happier mood to the workplace, but I'm also afraid that they may not take their tasks seriously before and after the game. Do you think I should listen to my friend?

Replies

André J
if there is nothing to do, sure
Ivan Dudin
I perceive work as one of the most interesting games and during working hours I don't need any other =) But in the evening I like to play PUGB.
Erkin Bek
It all depends on the company, in general we have such events in our company. It helps to build informal communication, it will be a kind of mini team building. But of course not to get carried away :)
Salar Davari
@erkin_bek Don't you have noise problems while playing?
Erkin Bek
@salar__davari It should not, because we warn you that we will play for one hour on Friday :) and everyone comes to play.
Salar Davari
@arimitaz how come a must?
Yuki Ogino
It is your own decision and may depend on the type of work you do.
Julien Ergan
1 hour / day sounds like a long time. Once in a week or something could be nice of your colleagues are into gaming
Salar Davari
@julienergan sure. One hour is definitely not worth it.
Relja Denic
Daily is too much. We have a game room in our company, and people can go play games, ping-pong, table football, and people use it to let off some steam or rest. It's not a bad idea from time to time to have some kind of bonding time where you guys play a tournament as a team or something.
Salar Davari
@relja_denic I agree, but what about space. With computer games, I wouldn't need to worry about time?
Drew "Sales Playbook Builder" Williams
Yes. 100%. If they enjoy it, then organize a team event around it.
Salar Davari
@drewsalesplaybookbuilder What about the inevitable noise that it involves?
Ste
Hardcover
Hardcover
Always.
Jonas Schaller
No, they should do their tasks and then be free, i understand it sounds nice, but its a waste of time, rather stop working an hour earlyer then gaming
Salar Davari
@jonassc Yes. But just after lunch, they seem so exhausted and a bit nervous
Arsen Batyuchok 🇺🇦
i was playing CS:GO with my fellows on the prev job. I'd say it's only acceptable if you don't collaborate with people in real time. the only thing that bugged people around was that if they wanted to have an ad-hoc conversation they failed when entering a room and seeing that everyone is playing a game.
Salar Davari
@arsen_batyuchok yea. that's also a big issue.
Salar Davari
@carmen_judson What a strong "no"!! Don't you think there are advantages to consider?
C M
You’d be better off doing ‘Guided Group Relaxation/Meditation’. I did this some years ago and folks really enjoyed it/found it useful. From years of experience: the more you give, the more they want. Of course, a lot depends on individual factors, etc. Ultimately, if you’re the boss you go with what you think. You win by it or.. you don’t. I’m not saying you don’t have an idea, simply: be wary.
Elena Tsemirava
You can try it at least and then and then draw conclusions. What if performance improves?
Salar Davari
@elenat Yea. I think it's worth trying. Thank you.
Žiga Kerec
Fun activities can boost the morale of the work environment, but it always needs to be optional. I would not push it as mandatory and just let people go one hour earlier. I always enjoyed these activities and often even stayed late or joined a board game night in the evening. But not everyone did :)
Neha Sharma
It actually depends, you can keep certain day in a week when you can conduct this to help the employees relax for a bit!
Salar Davari
@neha_zixflow what would you do?
Igor Lysenko
Definitely not, people enjoy such activities and then it will be difficult for them to focus on work and on their tasks.
Igor Lysenko
@salar__davari Buy food and they will definitely be happy, or just give them 30 minutes of rest.
Salar Davari
@ixord Then how should I help them regain energy in the middle of the day?
Shajedul Karim
hey mate, the essence of a thriving workplace lies in the balance of work and play. introducing gaming could foster camaraderie, ignite creativity, and alleviate stress. however, it's crucial to draw clear lines between leisure and responsibility, ensuring one doesn't overshadow the other. so perhaps starting with a designated gaming hour on a friday could serve as a test run, allowing you to gauge its impact on productivity and morale. engaging with your team and seeking their feedback post-initiative could provide invaluable insights into making informed decisions moving forward. it's about creating a culture that embraces relaxation without compromising on dedication. wishing you a harmonious work environment! warm wishes.
Drew_Quinn
not recommended
Drew_Quinn
@salar__davari trust me, not many will work on their jobs serious if you playing with them during or after the work hours. 1 hours like maybe too much i assume. and also have to depend on the type of game as well