Relaxation spaces installed in the workplace would have the ability to increase productivity. Besides the giant slides and ping pong tables that are commonplace in Silicon Valley corporate headquarters, video games are said to be particularly beneficial to employee morale, more than a relaxation break or a break that excludes technology. Researchers at the University of Central Florida located in Orlando carried out a talking experiment on 66 employees:they gave them a task to do on the computer in order to cause "cognitive fatigue" and then divided them into 3 groups with different activities for a 5 minute break. Some played a video game called Sushi Cat, others attended a relaxation “class” or simply sat quietly, without using their phone or computer.
Their stress level and mood were analyzed during this time. And the results speak for themselves:participants who did not play the video game explained that they felt less involved in their work, which was a real source of stress for them. Those who followed relaxation instructions reduced their anxiety, but only those who played Sushi Cat said they felt significantly better after the break. Michael Rupp, who conducted the study, explains:"We tend to work tirelessly all day in order to finish certain tasks, but that doesn't seem to be as effective as taking breaks that allow us to release the pressure for a few minutes. It is necessary to plan short breaks during which we occupy ourselves with an activity that entertains, such as video games which allow us to recharge the batteries ". We finally have the good excuse to bring our console to work:“Science says so! .
