A survey commissioned by WorldWinner, a provider of online games, has unsurprisingly revealed that playing causal games at work can increase productivity. There's no doubt that everyone needs a break at work, but whether this calls for gaming stations to be implemented at workplaces across the country is another matter... Does your employer let you sneak in the odd game at work?
WorldWinner, the leading provider of online game competitions for cash and prizes, today unveiled the results of a survey examining whether playing casual online games at work enhances employee creativity, energy and overall productivity. The survey, which involved more than 500 players who compete at WorldWinner.com, reveals surprising new reasons workers take time out of their day to play casual games. Among them, more than 80 percent of respondents who play online games during the workday feel better-focused on work as a result of periodic mental breaks associated with game play, 76 percent report improved productivity, and 72 percent rely on game breaks to reduce job-related stress.
Workplace Benefits of Game Play
Recent studies suggest that a growing number of workers are seeking alternate ways to reduce stress while on the job; and a great many of them are turning to casual word, card and puzzle computer games. In fact, more than 60 percent of gamers who play games during their workday use “brain teasers,” including puzzle/strategy games (such as Bejeweled 2) and card games (such as Solitaire and Free Cell), as a form of therapy during the day. When asked how game play recharges their creative juices, the great majority of respondents answered that online games “take my mind off of work for a few minutes” or “calm me down after something has frustrated me.” An inference easily drawn from these findings is that casual game play may boost productivity by serving as a healthy way to refocus the mind in high-stress situations.
"When I need a break during the workday, I often turn to online skill games to recharge my brain," said WorldWinner player Jeff R. "I've found that taking a few minutes and challenging myself with a word game, puzzle, sports or card game can really boost my productivity; I return to work with a fresh perspective and improved creativity. Playing games can also get me revved up before starting a big project – especially when I win!"
According to the survey findings, 34 percent of respondents play online games during working hours. Of these respondents, just over half (52 percent) play games periodically throughout the day, as opposed to during lunch-time or other ‘official’ breaks. In addition, the majority (66 percent) said game breaks comprised 30 minutes. Only 14 percent reported playing for 30 to 60 minutes throughout their workday.
“This survey further reinforces the growth trends we are seeing in the online games industry; increasingly, people are turning to these games for more than entertainment,” said Peter Blacklow, president, WorldWinner. “Our games are designed to be played in quick spurts by players at virtually any skill level; and we continue to expand our games portfolio with this diverse consumer in mind. It’s a great compliment to us that today’s workers are logging on and finding not only fast-paced competitions and exciting tournaments, but also creative inspiration.”
Gamer Profile
Survey respondents represent a wide cross-section of the workforce. Nearly 60 percent of respondents are employed full-time, with 32 percent self-employed. Further, almost half are employed outside of the home while some 33 percent work within the home. The top three industries represented include retail/wholesale trade (11%), healthcare (8%) and education (7%) – while IT vocations accounted for just 5 percent. Sales and general administration were the top two functional areas reported, with career level varying widely from executives to administrative staff.
WorldWinner, the leading provider of online game competitions for cash and prizes, today unveiled the results of a survey examining whether playing casual online games at work enhances employee creativity, energy and overall productivity. The survey, which involved more than 500 players who compete at WorldWinner.com, reveals surprising new reasons workers take time out of their day to play casual games. Among them, more than 80 percent of respondents who play online games during the workday feel better-focused on work as a result of periodic mental breaks associated with game play, 76 percent report improved productivity, and 72 percent rely on game breaks to reduce job-related stress.
Workplace Benefits of Game Play
Recent studies suggest that a growing number of workers are seeking alternate ways to reduce stress while on the job; and a great many of them are turning to casual word, card and puzzle computer games. In fact, more than 60 percent of gamers who play games during their workday use “brain teasers,” including puzzle/strategy games (such as Bejeweled 2) and card games (such as Solitaire and Free Cell), as a form of therapy during the day. When asked how game play recharges their creative juices, the great majority of respondents answered that online games “take my mind off of work for a few minutes” or “calm me down after something has frustrated me.” An inference easily drawn from these findings is that casual game play may boost productivity by serving as a healthy way to refocus the mind in high-stress situations.
"When I need a break during the workday, I often turn to online skill games to recharge my brain," said WorldWinner player Jeff R. "I've found that taking a few minutes and challenging myself with a word game, puzzle, sports or card game can really boost my productivity; I return to work with a fresh perspective and improved creativity. Playing games can also get me revved up before starting a big project – especially when I win!"
According to the survey findings, 34 percent of respondents play online games during working hours. Of these respondents, just over half (52 percent) play games periodically throughout the day, as opposed to during lunch-time or other ‘official’ breaks. In addition, the majority (66 percent) said game breaks comprised 30 minutes. Only 14 percent reported playing for 30 to 60 minutes throughout their workday.
“This survey further reinforces the growth trends we are seeing in the online games industry; increasingly, people are turning to these games for more than entertainment,” said Peter Blacklow, president, WorldWinner. “Our games are designed to be played in quick spurts by players at virtually any skill level; and we continue to expand our games portfolio with this diverse consumer in mind. It’s a great compliment to us that today’s workers are logging on and finding not only fast-paced competitions and exciting tournaments, but also creative inspiration.”
Gamer Profile
Survey respondents represent a wide cross-section of the workforce. Nearly 60 percent of respondents are employed full-time, with 32 percent self-employed. Further, almost half are employed outside of the home while some 33 percent work within the home. The top three industries represented include retail/wholesale trade (11%), healthcare (8%) and education (7%) – while IT vocations accounted for just 5 percent. Sales and general administration were the top two functional areas reported, with career level varying widely from executives to administrative staff.
