Microsoft Teams Unleashes Games For Work To Boost Morale In The Office

Team bonding is the game, and Microsoft Teams is the name. In a move that may seem counterproductive—to some bosses, at least—the company has reworked and refitted its popular games into the work collaboration and chat software.

Whether you’re working from home or are back in the office, the new ‘Games for Work’ app seeks to forge better relations between workmates by allowing them to challenge each other over games such as Minesweeper, Wordament, Solitaire, and Icebreaker.

Games for Work was developed by an Xbox Games Studio division known as Microsoft Casual Games.

Each game has been updated to be playable by two or more people. And yes, even Solitaire, a traditionally single-player match, can now be a battle between you and your co-worker.

In addition, Games for Work allows up to 250 players to get together for a company-wide bonding session. Viewing the matches as a spectator is also possible for those who wish to sit back and watch the action.
 
The new app can host other apps, such as Polly and Kahoot!, to inject spirit and fun into your next meeting.

The games aren’t only for you to kill some time while at work. Citing studies, Microsoft explains that games have been helpful in boosting productivity, creativity, and a sense of togetherness among employees.

“Games can be an easy way to connect and build trust with our teammates,” reads the press release. “Along with our morning caffeine, sometimes we need a brain teaser or some friendly competition to get relationships going, infuse levity into our workday, and build a sense of community.”

Jill Braff, general manager of integrations and casual games at Microsoft comments: “Games promote creativity, collaboration and communication in powerful and unique ways, and we can’t wait to see the how the Games for Work app on Microsoft Teams inspires productivity and helps foster connections in the workplace.”

 
So don’t get anxious the next time you get a Teams invite. You might be in for a meaningful, productive round of Minesweeper.
 
 
 
[via TechCrunch and PCWorld, images via Microsoft]