Companies are increasingly aware that in order to attract the top talent, they need to make the working environment fun and enjoyable. If you and your colleagues are keen to get a ping pong table in your office, but your boss isn’t yet convinced, here are 5 reasons to help you get a new piece of kit.
1) Table tennis improves productivity
Research by Dr Daniel Amen, a member of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, describes table tennis as ‘the world’s best brain sport’. Ping pong activates areas in the brain that increase concentration, alertness and develop tactical thinking skills. A quick game means you bring this brain boost back to your desk, so you’ll be dashing through that To Do list in no time!
2) A workplace table improves morale
Studies show that satisfied, happy employees have higher levels of engagement and loyalty to their company. Physical activity naturally produces dopamine and endorphins, known as ‘feel good’ chemicals, so a game of ping pong is a great way to improve morale in the office. Even a quick match allows colleagues to get to know each other that little bit more, as it is easy to chat over the table, helping them to feel more connected to the team.
3) Take a break
We are all spending more and more time in front of screens, with eye-strain and back problems becoming increasingly common. Taking short, regular breaks can quickly reduce the health problems associated with sitting at a desk all day, so challenging a colleague to a game is an ideal way to break up the time spent in front of a computer. As a match can also be played quickly it means people get that all-important break from their screens, without having to worry that they won’t have time to complete all their tasks for the day.
4) Motivation and competition
Regardless of your field of work, your team have to be motivated and your company competitive in order to succeed. However, if fighting to be top dog doesn’t come naturally to you, it can be tricky to adopt the right mindset at times. A game of ping pong is a fun way to increase energy levels by getting people out of their seats and engaging their brains. This gentle (or sometimes intense!) level of competition is often reflected throughout the work day when completing other tasks, helping to give the business an edge and keep employees motivated.
5) Give your brain a workout
It would be great if every work day was filled with a variety of different tasks that were fun and exciting. The reality is that we all have days when we need to complete jobs that just don’t challenge or engage us. This is where a game of table tennis is perfect to keep your brain alert and focused, as research has shown that ping pong actually stimulates brain function. Beat the slump with a good stretch of the grey matter!
So you’ve made your case and your table tennis wish has been granted! But what now? How do you keep score and really know who is the ping pong king or queen? Check out our free web app tivit! Create your own leaderboards, hear audio announcements and tap the screen to record points — you’ll be nailing that backhand spin shot and claiming the office table tennis crown in no time.
