Long live ping pong

Now, recently I’ve read a number of posts that knock the notion of an office ping pong table. For those that know me well, I take ping pong seriously and can’t accept this so here I am as a champion for the ping pong table. Many a weekday night as a teenager was spent being ferried around by mine and a friend's parents to compete in the Wellingborough counties table tennis league (yes it’s a thing)

It’s blatantly obvious that a ping pong table isn’t culture, just as neither is unlimited holiday, private medical, flexible working or any of the other benefits we see offered. What it can be is a tool in your arsenal to help build a good culture. For me, culture comes from the top and radiates through a business, if you have a leader and a leadership team that truly believes in creating an environment for people to be successful and enjoy what they do then culture becomes a lot easier.

I’ll give toy 3 reasons why I think a ping pong table can be a useful tool.

1. Competition

It. brings a competitive edge to the team. For those that like sports or like competing it can be a welcome focus at lunchtime or after work.

2. It doesn’t discriminate

Ping Pong is for all. Any gender, race, culture or sexuality. It's just a bit of fun between friends and colleagues

3. Integration

It’s a great place to meet others in your company that you may not get to spend time with normally.

So whilst a ping pong table or any benefit alone isn’t going to build your culture, don’t diss the art of ping pong. It can be a safe space for your team members to let off steam, meet others in their company and if your name is Ali McDonald get schooled by me on a regular basis.

As I said it’s also just an item in your toolbox. Ask yourself the question. What’s in your toolbox as a leader? Think of well-being, financial, and personal growth as 3 pillars to address.

Oh, and long live ping pong.