How Play and Hands-On Activities Turn Learning Into a Lasting Experience

Imagine this: you're sitting in a dull, lecture-style meeting, trying desperately to stay focused. Suddenly, someone switches gears, and you’re asked to participate in an interactive game that ties into the topic at hand. The room comes alive with laughter, conversation, and renewed energy. Now think back—are you more likely to remember the points covered in that engaging activity, or the earlier part of the meeting where you were watching the clock tick by? If you chose the activity, you’re not alone. Research continues to show that learning through play and action isn’t just more enjoyable; it’s also incredibly effective.

This concept isn’t surprising when considering how people naturally learn. Humans retain more when they’re engaged, surrounded by emotions like excitement and connection. The phrase “learning through doing” isn’t just a trend—it’s scientifically backed as one of the most effective ways to acquire and hold onto knowledge. For organisations and teams looking to maximise training outcomes, integrating fun into learning can make an unforgettable difference.

The Science Behind Playful Learning

Recent studies have uncovered the critical link between fun, engagement, and memory retention. The National Training Laboratories found that participants retain up to 75% of information when they learn by doing, as compared to just 5% through lectures and 10% via readings. This dramatic difference is rooted in our brain's natural preference for active learning. By involving multiple senses, triggering emotional responses, and encouraging collaboration, interactive activities build stronger neural connections, making it much easier to recall what’s been learned later on.

Play can help break down barriers too. Harvard Business School professor Francesca Gino supports this idea, stating that engaging in enjoyable, collaborative tasks “connects people in ways that straightforward, traditional work processes can’t”. Fun creates a shared experience, helps people feel more comfortable, and fosters better communication—especially in professional teams.

Moreover, a study by BrightHR revealed that employees who participated in workplace games or challenges were 60% more productive and displayed higher morale and satisfaction. This highlights that the combination of learning and enjoyment isn't just good for knowledge retention—it's also great for overall workplace dynamics.

Why Engagement Makes Learning Memorable

What separates an unforgettable learning session from one that's quickly forgotten? Engagement. When people are actively participating, asking questions, moving around, or solving problems with others, they aren’t just passive recipients of information—they’re part of the experience. This shift from passive to active engagement has a profound impact on what they retain.

Think of it as similar to muscle memory. If you were to read about riding a bike, you might recall the mechanics. But it’s the actual act of hopping on the bike and finding balance—with all its wobbles and laughs—that builds real confidence and understanding. The same idea applies to workplace training and team-building activities, where the "doing" element becomes a pivotal factor in long-term comprehension.

Real-World Applications of Fun-Filled Learning

Organisations worldwide are recognising and embracing the benefits of interactive and playful learning. For example, Google has famously integrated gamification into its workplace culture, using challenges to teach technical skills and encourage creative problem-solving. Netflix also incorporates interactive and scenario-based training to simulate decision-making processes for its employees. These approaches combine enjoyment with skill-building, reinforcing crucial knowledge without employees even realising they’re “learning”.

The possibilities are endless when it comes to weaving play into professional development. For instance, platforms like MAKE provide tools that help organisations customise their learning experiences. Activities can range from team treasure hunts to interactive quizzes, all designed to embed company-specific training materials. Not only do these activities engage teams, but their adaptable nature ensures that learning aligns with brand goals or specific department needs.

Building Connection Through Learning

At work, learning doesn’t happen in isolation—it happens as part of a group or team. Hands-on activities not only make the learning itself more effective but also improve collaboration and team cohesion. These experiences help colleagues bond over a shared purpose, fostering trust and mutual respect in the process.

It helps to look at an analogy. Imagine trying to assemble Ikea furniture with someone you've just met. At first, there might be some missteps or unspoken frustration over who gets to hold the allen key. But by the time you've figured out how the pieces fit together, that connection has deepened. The same can be said for engaging in creative team challenges or learning games. Shared participation in something engaging and goal-driven leads to stronger workplace relationships—not to mention a higher likelihood of remembering the steps for assembling furniture (or completing a new workplace procedure).

The Blend of Play and Personalisation

To make learning truly stick, personalisation can be the secret ingredient. Customisation ensures that what’s being learned is both relevant and immediately applicable. This is where platforms like MAKE shine—they allow businesses to design playful activities that mirror the exact skills, values, or objectives most important to their teams. With personal branding options, unique tasks, and flexible scalability, organisations can ensure that training fits perfectly with their ethos while feeling fresh and exciting for participants.

Customisation also empowers individuals by acknowledging that no two learning sessions—or learners—are the same. Whether catering to a team in Sydney navigating hybrid collaboration or onboarding new recruits across different time zones, tailoring content to match a company’s context doubles down on engagement.

Busting the Myth: “Fun Equals Frivolous”

A common misconception is that fun and professionalism are opposites. While it might be tempting to assume that learning must be serious to be effective, companies who adopt playful training strategies prove otherwise. According to Deloitte, organisations that prioritise employee experience (by including enjoyable, engaging activities) are 25% more profitable than those that don’t.

By introducing creative and interactive methods, businesses not only achieve greater learning outcomes but also instil a workplace culture that values innovation and connectivity. Fun training isn’t frivolous—it’s a smart move for both employee satisfaction and long-term performance.

How You Can Incorporate Fun Into Learning

If you’re looking to energise your workplace activities, adding an element of play doesn’t have to mean a full-scale redesign. Start small by incorporating quizzes, group challenges, or interactive presentations into meetings. Planning an onboarding day? Make it memorable with team-building games that incorporate crucial organisational values. And don’t shy away from digital tools that let you customise activities—there’s so much untapped potential in what’s available.

Even better, tools like MAKE offer the flexibility to make every session unique, scalable, and on-brand. Whether it’s for remote teams or in-person events, engaging and enjoyable learning activities will leave lasting impressions—on both team relationships and professional development outcomes.

Let’s leave behind outdated notions of dull training and embrace the joy that interactive learning brings. This isn't just about getting the job done; it’s about creating experiences your teams will carry with them for years to come.