Home News Business News
All work and no play is a bad idea, says phone giant
Aug 13 2008 by Alistair Houghton, Liverpool Daily Post
PHONE giant O2 says encouraging staff to play games at work is boosting their creativity and productivity.
O2 has installed a play room for the 1,800 workers at its Preston Brook customer service contact centre.
Staff are encouraged to unleash their inner child by playing board games, bouncing on giant balls, drawing pictures and hugging plastic dogs.
02’s head of innovation, John Sproats, said: “The room was devised as part of our bright sparks initiative, as a place that could be used for brainstorming and being creative.”
“As for the toys, it’s scientifically proven that when your hands are engaged or playing with something, you are in a more creative mindset.”
Mr Sproats says the room does not include the corporate branding apparent elsewhere.
He said: “We felt there was plenty of this around, and one objective was to develop ideas around non-core activities.”
Communications specialist Claire Robinson, 25, said: “It’s a fantastic room to brainstorm or think outside the box. Playing helps you to relax and think creatively.
“It’s also a great way to bring people together informally.”
Site Tools
Copyright and Trade Mark Notice © 2009 owned by or licensed to Trinity Mirror North West & North Wales Limited. Liverpool Daily Post™ is a trade mark of Trinity Mirror North West & North Wales Limited. Please read our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Statement before using this site.