Boosting Employee Engagement with Board Games

In today's digital age, we often find ourselves perpetually surrounded by screens, be it for work, leisure, or domestic tasks. Passive scrolling on the Internet and social media is often our go-to method for relaxation and diversion from our daily routines.

However, it's worth exploring the potential benefits of shifting our focus toward traditional board games as an alternative to video games for rest and relaxation. Over the past few months, we have implemented a practice of playing board games during lunch breaks or designated times every other Friday.

Below, we outline the games we introduced and the impact they had on our team.

Moon Landing & Lost at Sea

Both games are premised on scenario-based problem-solving, requiring teams to strategize survival plans in either a shipwreck or a lunar landing context. Teams are tasked with prioritizing survival tools and the winning team is the one closest to the optimal solution.

Such games encourage team bonding and promote a strong, cohesive work ethic. They also foster a sense of community and are particularly effective in bringing together team members who may not typically interact in their usual work routines.

Jungle Speed & Codenames Pictures

In Jungle Speed, a game relying on keen observation and quick reflexes, maintaining a steady hand can be a challenge during bouts of group laughter. Codenames Pictures, on the other hand, involves two teams competing with one-word clues linked to multiple words on the board.

These games bridge the gap between work and leisure, making work feel more enjoyable. Fast-paced games, in particular, serve as effective stress relievers, providing a much-needed outlet during high-stress periods.

Pictionary

As a well-known board game, Pictionary requires team members to identify specific words based on their teammates' drawings. This activity encourages creativity, which often lies dormant given our agency's work typically doesn't require traditional pen-and-paper methods.