🧠 In collaboration with Braid - Join over 100 companies already boosting employee connection and engagement through play.

The best teams I have been fortunate to be a part of incorporated play into our workdays. But, somewhere along the way, "play" got a bad rap in the workplace. We started thinking of it as unproductive, childish, or something to squeeze in after all the "real work" was done.

Maybe the ‘work hard, play hard’ mentality actually killed it.

But, what if we think of play as the real work? Or at least a secret ingredient for doing it better.

Research has shown that just 45 minutes of play per week can boost productivity by up to 20%. Triggering a release of endorphins, which help reduce stress, improve brain functionality, and even stimulates creativity.

In short: it's like giving your brain a green smoothie and a double shot of matcha—at the same time.

Play is Healthy

According to the American Journal of Play (yes, that's a real thing and yes, it's delightful), play improves cognitive flexibility, emotional resilience, and problem-solving skills.

Adults who play regularly report lower stress levels, better memory, and stronger social connections.

Translation: Play more. Feel better. Work smarter.

Remote and Hybrid Teams Need Play More Than Ever

Remote and hybrid teams have a lot going for them—flexibility, autonomy, work-life balance but they also face big challenges like isolation and disconnection.

This is where play becomes a power tool. A little bit of structured fun can go a long way in building trust, boosting communication, and sparking real human connection across screens and time zones.

According to a Gallup report, teams with strong social connections (read: people who actually like working together) are twice as likely to be highly engaged and show 21% higher profitability.

Turns out, play isn't just good for your soul — it's rocket fuel for your brain, your team, and yes, your bottom line.

Braid: Bringing Play to Your Slack Workspace

Enter Braid, a company that gets it.

Used by top companies like: Uber, Square, Accenture and Drippi AI.

Braid is building playful Slack games specifically designed to bring remote and hybrid teams closer together. Think quick, fun activities like trivia, icebreakers, challenges, and mini-games—all seamlessly woven into your workday.

Instead of scheduling another awkward Zoom happy hour (you know the one), you can weave tiny moments of connection and laughter right into the flow of work.
Easy, authentic, and actually fun.

PLAY FOR FREE TODAY BY DOWNLOADING THE SLACK APP.

OR UNLOCK ACCESS TO MORE GAMES AND SAVE 15% FOR YOU AND YOUR TEAM FOR THE YEAR WITH THIS LIMITED OFFER

Why It Matters

The future of work isn’t just about where we work, it’s about how we feel while we do it. And play is part of the answer.

• It boosts productivity

• It strengthens relationships

• It makes work a whole lot more human

Because at the end of the day, people who laugh together, think better together.
And teams that play together? They win.

Sources:

• Boost Productivity 20%: The Surprising Power of Play (Forbes)

• Stress Relief from Laughter? It's No Joke (Mayo Clinic)

• The Benefits of Play for Adults (American Journal of Play)

• Braid: Playful Slack Games to Boost Team Engagement (Braid)

• State of the Global Workplace Report 2023 (Gallup)

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Read more of Colleen's refreshing thoughts on her site: Leadership &