Toys in the Workplace

In the 1980s, when I returned to college to complete my undergraduate degree, there was a professor from the business department who was often spotted walking across campus with a container of either wooden building blocks or Tinker Toys. He’d be headed to class where the subject that day was team building.  What an innovative—almost radical—idea we’d remark.  Think about it. Children learn through play, why not adults?

Workplaces in the 1980s probably weren’t ready for toys, but welcome to the 21st Century. With the introduction of gamification in corporate training—the process of applying gaming designs and concepts to learning sessions to make them more engaging and entertaining for employees—is opening up new markets for companies like Playmobil and Legos. 

A methodology called Lego Serious Play has emerged and found its way into corporate training, where a certified Lego Serious Play facilitator, brings a pile of Legos into a conference room and guides a team of employees through building exercises meant to spur new ideas and unlock imagination and innovation. The concept is based on research showing that our hands are connected to 70 to 80 percent of our brain cells. Let’s hear it for tactile learners. 

I read about this in a December 23, 2019 article by Jason Wilson in the Washington Post Magazine, entitled Playmobil’s Plan to Infiltrate your Workspace. Playmobil is getting ready to launch a product called Playmobil Pro—an innovative modelling system for professionals. The idea is to bring Playmobil figures into the workplace so employees can creatively role play, find new solutions, or bring theoretical discussions to life. The same toys you loved as a child help aid in prototyping, project management, creative workshops and more. 

According to Guy Stephens, a facilitator based near London who uses Lego Serious Play, using toys in corporate settings can have significant benefits. “It takes people to a deeper, more emotional level,” he explains. “There’s a level of empathy. It’s a much safer space to ideate.” 

Who said work can’t be fun and games? Bring some levity into your workplaces.  It will reduce stress and increase productivity and creativity.