Play isn’t just for recess—it’s a powerful tool for unlocking creative problem solving and boosting innovation in the workplace. Whether you’re strategizing your next big product launch or trying to break through communication bottlenecks, incorporating structured play through corporate team building can shake things up in all the right ways.

In this guide, we’ll explore how and why play sparks creativity, what science has to say about it, and how you can bring it to life with Teambonders’ epic team-building events like the AppMazing Race and Minutes to Win it.

What Does “Play” Look Like in a Workplace Setting?

When we say “play,” we’re not talking about building pillow forts in the boardroom (although, not a bad idea). We’re talking about:

• Structured games that challenge teams to collaborate under pressure
• Competitive, yet fun, head-to-head challenges
• Experiential learning through creativity, laughter, and movement
• Activities that allow people to step outside their usual roles and take risks in a psychologically safe space

Think scavenger hunts, trivia challenges, problem-solving races, and imaginative building competitions—like those in Teambonders’ lineup of cerebral and tactile team-building experiences.

Why Is Play So Important for Problem Solving?

1. It Breaks Routine (and the Brain Loves That!)

When you're stuck in the same old workflow, your brain gets… well, bored. Play shakes up the status quo, triggering new neural pathways and allowing ideas to surface that might’ve been buried under emails and Zoom fatigue.

➡️ Try This: Host a Switch It Up Live session. It's a fast-paced mixer that encourages spontaneous conversations and fresh perspectives among team members who rarely interact.

2. Play Encourages Risk-Taking in a Safe Space

Creative problem solving often means proposing the wild idea. But let’s be real—few people feel comfortable doing that in a high-stakes meeting. Games remove the pressure and encourage experimentation without fear of failure.

💡 According to Harvard Business Review, play promotes psychological safety—one of the biggest indicators of successful, high-performing teams.

How Does Team Play Boost Workplace Innovation?

Play Enhances Collaboration

Solving puzzles together during an AppMazing Hunt mimics the collaboration needed in workplace projects. Everyone brings their strengths, and teams learn how to listen, share, and compromise in real time.

It Trains the Brain to Be Adaptive

Events like Minutes to Win it challenge teams with cerebral and physical tasks under pressure. This trains your brain to think on its feet—a core trait of effective problem solvers.

Play Connects the Dots

When team members bond through laughter, movement, and shared wins, they build trust. And trust leads to faster, freer idea exchange—a key ingredient for creative collaboration.

FAQ: How Can Companies Use Play to Spark Creativity?

What’s the best team-building activity for boosting creativity?

Look for activities that mix strategy with fun. Programs like the AppMazing Race combine problem-solving with physical movement and competition—ideal for jumpstarting innovation.

Are there professional team-building companies that specialize in this?

Absolutely. Teambonders specializes in crafting custom, fully facilitated team-building events that are as impactful as they are fun. From game show-style competitions to charitable builds, they make team engagement effortless (and unforgettable).

Can we host a creative event near our office or remotely?

Yes! Whether you’re looking for an in-person Toronto scavenger hunt near the CN Tower or a virtual showdown for remote teams across North America, Teambonders can make it happen. Their events are flexible, mobile, and scalable.

Quick Tips: How to Build Creative Muscle with Play

1. Make Play Part of the Culture – Regularly schedule playful, low-stakes team interactions.
2. Mix Up the Format – Don’t rely on one kind of game. Try everything from trivia to escape rooms.
3. Tie It to Real-World Goals – Set intentions before each event (e.g., “Today, we’re practicing brainstorming under pressure”).
4. Celebrate the Weird Ideas – Normalize out-of-the-box thinking with rewards or shoutouts.
5. Use Facilitators – Professional hosts (like the ones from Teambonders) help guide the experience and extract learning moments.

Final Thoughts

Play is the secret sauce behind many of the world’s most innovative companies. It unlocks creativity, builds trust, and makes problem-solving feel less like a chore and more like an adventure.

So the next time your team hits a creative wall? Don’t just call another meeting. Plan an AppMazing Race or a Minutes to Win it showdown. Your team—and your bottom line—will thank you.

👉 Ready to bring more creative play into your workplace? Get in touch with Teambonders today to plan your next big (and brilliant) event.