Opinions expressed by Digital Journal contributors are their own.
A recent study conducted by experts in psychology and work efficiency from Humanpsychology at the request of the playground solitaires.com, revealed an important discovery: taking short breaks and playing the game of solitaire have a positive effect on the productivity and well-being of employees. These results, based on systematic research and data analysis, can have a significant impact on the work environment and the business as a whole.
The study had been conducted for 4 weeks and it attracted more than 100 participants aged 25-45 from 30 different professional fields. The participants were divided into two groups: the first group had an opportunity to take rest and play solitaire; the second one had to work without breaks. People from the first group could choose from a variety of games: solitaire, klondike, freecell solitaire, and freecell pyramid.
From observations on engagement and game selection: 67% of women under 30 chose klondike, 71% of men over 35 played freecell most of the time.
The following criteria were monitored during the study:
- Productivity: Measuring the amount of work done in 8 hours. The number of completed tasks were taken into account.
- Work Quality: Assessment of task completion. It is based on the use of standard quality metrics.
- Concentration Level: The use of cognitive tests and questionnaires to measure participants’ concentration and attention levels. Tasks that check the accuracy and reaction rate were also included.
- Stress Level: Assessment of participants’ stress level using questionnaires and self-assessment tests. It includes measuring the level of physiological indicators, such as pulse rate and cortisol level.
Before starting the study, both groups measured the initial metrics of the main criteria. The average rates are the following:
- Tasks Completed: 27
- Work Quality: 3.6% of mistakes
- Attention Span: 23 min. 22 sec.
Experts point out that such criteria can accurately determine the impact of the solitaire game on working efficiency. The study itself is aimed at identifying the potential benefits and advantages of playing solitaire in the work environment. The results of this study can be useful both to employees seeking to improve their work efficiency, and to organizations that can introduce this practice into their work environment to create a more productive and stimulating atmosphere.
Study Results
| Evaluation criteria | Group that had breaks | Group that didn’t have breaks |
| Efficiency | 25% increase | No noticeable changes |
| Work quality | 18% increase | No noticeable changes |
| Attention span | 15% increase | No noticeable changes |
| Stress level | 30% decrease | No noticeable changes |
| Work capacity | 20% increase | No noticeable changes |
- Efficiency increase: The group that took short breaks to play the solitaire game showed an increase in the number of completed tasks by ≈25% compared to the second group.
(blue line – first group
red line – second group)*
- Improvement of work quality: The quality of tasks accomplished by the participants of the group that took short breaks increased by ≈18% compared to the second group.
(blue line – first group
red line – second group)*
- Attention span increase: The group that had an opportunity to have rest showed attention span improvement by ≈15% compared to the second group. This improvement was confirmed by the results of cognitive tests.
(blue line – first group
red line – second group)*
- Work capacity improvement: Participants that took short breaks reported increased work capacity by ≈20% compared to the initial rates.
The results of the first group indicate a positive effect of short breaks with playing the game of solitaire on working efficiency. Participants who played solitaire during breaks demonstrated increased efficiency, improved work quality, enhanced attention span, and reduced stress level. On the other hand, the results of the second group indicate the absence of significant changes in effectiveness.
The study was conducted in the framework of the desire to create an ideal working environment where employees can reach their maximum potential. The results of this study can be useful for companies and organizations that want to increase the productivity of their employees and provide them with favorable working conditions.
We hope that these results will inspire employers and managers to introduce short breaks involving the game of solitaire into the work environment. It is a simple and affordable way to increase work efficiency and improve the well-being of employees. As a result, companies can count on more productive and satisfied employees, which will strengthen the brand and increase competitiveness.
