The cooperative puzzle: a hobby that brings people together

A collaborative puzzle—what a great idea! In this age of individualism, solving a puzzle together brings people together. But that's not all. Group puzzle games offer other benefits: they promote cooperation, develop team spirit, and simply encourage interaction. This unifying pastime requires few resources: a table and, of course, a puzzle! Easy to set up, it's a great way to strengthen social bonds without resorting to screens. And it can be enjoyed in many settings, such as workplaces, schools, and communities. Finally, an activity that encourages interaction and truly reconnects people!

A collaborative game in the workplace: team building!

Well-being at work has become a major concern for companies. Not only to protect their employees from psychosocial risks, but also to increase their performance. According to a study by the University of Warwick, the productivity of happy employees increases by 12%!

This rather convincing argument is prompting more and more companies to incorporate fun or relaxing activities into the working day. Beyond the relaxation rooms, yoga classes, and swimming pools that have sprung up in the common areas of large companies, the trend is now toward slow and team-building activities! 

But these collaborative games in companies, which take the form of escape rooms or sports tournaments, are one-off events and involve a number of organizational constraints. A cooperative game such as a puzzle is much easier to set up! A real meeting point, it becomes the ideal excuse to chat, share an informal moment, and cultivate a team spirit. Collaboration through a simple puzzle—what more could you ask for? 

A puzzle in a coworking space

Coworking space managers understand the importance of a friendly and cozy atmosphere to attract freelancers. The common room is often furnished with magazines, green plants, comfortable sofas... Everything is designed to promote well-being. However, in general, people sip their coffee with their noses buried in their smartphones, and then return to work without really having relaxed...

That's where the collaborative puzzlecomes in! Set up in a small corner of the coworking space, it offers a real break and encourages people to disconnect. Fitting a few pieces together allows you to momentarily forget your responsibilities and release tension. No performanceexpected, no competition, no deadlines! Everyone contributes as they wish and then returns to their computer feeling relaxed. 

👉 Also read: Puzzles, the ideal way to de-stress

A collective puzzle game at school

Cooperative games have become increasingly popular in schools in recent years. They promote solidarity by emphasizing collaboration rather than competition. No one is left behind: everyone wins or loses together.

Learning collaboration with a puzzle? That's the positive experience offered by group puzzles. Students must help each other to achieve a common goal: solving the puzzle. They share ideas andstrategies for solving it and encourage each other. Cooperation, empathy, communication, concentration—it's the ideal activity!

Patience games can also be set up outside the classroom. Some CDIs have already introduced them. And why not in the teachers' lounge? The adults at school deserve a break from stress too!

A cooperative family activity

There's nothing like playing board games with our children to strengthen family bonds. We know that, but... who really wants to play Croque Carotte after a hard day's work? Or worse, tea party! No, we know that the perfect parent doesn't exist!

So yes, our motivation as parents is often put to the test. Especially on rainy weekends, when the same question keeps coming up: what can we do in the rain? Instead of sticking them in front of a screen, why not set them a challenge : solving a complex puzzle together. It's a family project where everyone can cooperate, with the little ones sorting the pieces by color. 

In addition to being enjoyable, this typeof stress-relieving activity promotes calm and encourages interaction.An original gift for Mother's Day or Father'sDay, it offers a wonderful opportunity to spend quality time with the family. And since it's an intergenerational hobby, grandparents can join in too. Are you bored at Sunday dinners? Well, start puzzling now!

A participatory puzzle in media libraries

Media libraries have started setting up participatory puzzles, which have been a huge success. The activity is open to everyone, and each user is invited to contribute to this collective work. You can choose to place a piece you pass by or spend several hours working on it.

This activity promotes socialization and creates an environment conducive to unexpected encounters (and, while we're at it, connections...). At Jour Férié, we design our creations based on poetic illustrations inspired by everyday life that invite people to share their stories. Finally, a direct, face-to-face communication experience. Much more enriching than virtual contact on social media!

Setting up a corner for a collective jigsaw puzzle is another way of reconnecting with a hobby considered obsolete by some. And, above all, rediscover its many benefits. It could even lead to the creation of a puzzle library for cephaloclastophiles.

👉 Also read: The benefits of puzzles at any age

A game of patience in waiting rooms

Group puzzles are an innovative way to pass the time. Nowadays, we all have our eyes glued to our phones when we have to wait. No one looks at each other or talks to each other... And this happens everywhere: at the doctor's office, in train stations and airports, in hospitals, and in any reception area.

So, what better way to start a conversation than by sharing a fun activity? Putting a few pieces together keeps you busy and encourages social interaction. The atmosphere becomes more friendly, and waiting becomes less stressful. This game of patience is aptly named!

👉 Also read: 13 handicrafts for adults

Visit collaborative puzzle is a unifying activity which can be practiced in many places. It provides a respite from our hectic lives, while promoting social bonding. It could even be therapeutic! So, when will it be introduced in children's homes, retirement homes, or even prisons?

Source : Happiness and productivity - WRAP: Warwick Research Archive Portal