Logitech gives employees a day off to play video games

Gaming and its potential benefits beyond entertainment have been attracting increasing attention in recent years, particularly when it comes to the skills and attributes players can develop. And now, one of the world's best-known gaming technology companies is taking that recognition a step further by giving its employees a dedicated day off to play video games.

In recognition of the positive cognitive and professional benefits gaming can provide, Logitech International has announced Logi Game Day, a dedicated day off for its employees to play games. The initiative follows findings from the tech giant's recent Logitech Ctrl Tomorrow study, which revealed that 81% of gamers believe gaming builds real-world confidence, reduces anxiety and correlates with stronger day-to-day work performance.

As part of the initiative, Logitech G will also host a streaming event at its Americas headquarters in San Jose to celebrate the occasion on November 19th.

A separate study conducted by Logitech also found that 98.8% of enterprise IT decision-maker (ITDM) respondents believe gaming skills translate directly into workplace capabilities, including strategic thinking, complex problem-solving and performing under pressure.

These findings prompted Logitech's chief executive officer, Hanneke Faber, to declare: "It's time to retire the stereotype that gaming is a waste of time. As a company designing products for work and play, we see every day how engagement in one sphere supports performance in the other."

Logitech G's general manager, Robin Piispanen, who will host the Logi Game Day event, also highlighted the team-building benefits of gaming:

"Whether diving into a game like GTA VI or Call of Duty Modern Warfare 4, shaving seconds off lap times in Forza, or teaming up in an online battle, Game Day gives our team a shared purpose," he says. "We see firsthand how Logitech employees who sharpen their skills in-game translate directly back to work & problem solving."

"Play is not the opposite of work," said Elaine Laird, Logitech's chief people officer. "When people have dedicated time to log off, decompress and immerse themselves in play, they return with clearer focus, renewed energy and fresh approaches to complex challenges."

While it would be somewhat premature to suggest that companies across every industry will eventually embrace similar initiatives, Logitech's decision does reflect a changing attitude towards the positive role gaming can play in our everyday lives.