What does ping pong have to do with productivity? More than you might think

Some of our staff enjoying the amenities at our Stellenbosch Office.

Over the last 20 years, modern office spaces have gone through a number of evolutions. While workspaces may change over time, the need to create a positive and productive employee workplace remains as important as ever.

Some semblance of what we now recognise as the open-plan office design took shape in the 1960s, evolving from earlier layouts where employees sat in rows, all facing forwards - similar to a classroom. Open-plan office spaces were developed with the goal of encouraging open communication between employees.

By the early 2000s, “cubicle farms”, large offices divided into small cubicles, had all but ceased to exist. By the 2010s, “Google-style” offices were gaining momentum, with workplaces incorporating more playful and collaborative spaces. Offices were becoming colourful, dynamic and encouraged creativity and employee interactions.

With these workplace evolutions came a growing emphasis on employee mental health and well-being, prompting companies to introduce recreational spaces within their offices. From ping pong tables and pool tables to video game consoles, these additions may appear indulgent, but they have a proven positive impact on employees' emotional health, which in turn boosts work quality and productivity.

According to the Fellowes Workplace Wellness Trend Report (2019), an impressive 93% of tech industry workers said they would stay at a company longer if it offered healthier workspace benefits.

These benefits go beyond open-plan layouts; they include ergonomic seating, sit-stand desks, access to outdoor areas, and proper lighting — features that might seem minor, but can significantly enhance employee well-being and satisfaction.

The Global Impact of Biophilic Design in the Workplace study showed that 15% of employees reported higher levels of overall well-being in spaces with “natural features”. This includes greenery like potted plants, collaborative spaces for relaxation, flexibility in terms of where and how they work, with many modern workers favouring work from home or hybrid working options.

At Acumen Software, we understand the importance of creating engaging and beneficial workspaces for our employees - where they feel they can take a breather when they need it. We take pride in being able to offer our staff an open-plan workspace equipped with more than just standing desks and ergonomic chairs. We encourage our staff to personalise their desks and create a space where they can feel comfortable and productive (with an abundance of rubber ducks scattered around the office).

We buy these specific ducks because a portion of each sale supports the Children's Hospital Trust.

Boardrooms feature couches and beanbags for more relaxed, creative discussions, while dedicated games rooms offer pool, foosball, video games, darts and even a soccer ball that has caused many “close calls”. There’s even an in-house bar where the team can unwind after a productive day. Every month, a much-anticipated games night brings everyone together for drinks, pizza, and some highly competitive rounds of 30 Seconds.

Creating a positive and engaging workspace benefits not only employees but also the long-term success of the company. When staff feel happy in their environment and genuinely enjoy coming to work, they are more likely to remain loyal and motivated, driven by a sense of appreciation.

By continually evolving your work environment and actively listening to employee feedback, your company can stay agile, competitive, and prepared for the ever-changing demands of the modern workplace.

[Statistics retrieved from: https://www.forbes.com/sites/alankohll/2019/01/24/how-your-office-space-impacts-employee-wellbeing/]