The neuroscience research is out:
Play enables emotional intelligence. It stimulates the amygdala, which is the part of the brain that develops the capacity to understand and express emotions leading to more emotional maturity*.
Play improves decision making ability**. It stimulates the pre-frontal cortex to create new pathways that orchestrate thoughts and actions in accordance with internal goals.
Playful environments catalyze learning. Experiential learning programs create safe environments to try new behaviors before going back into the workplace.
Play fosters connection among participants, encourages people to authentically share who they are, and opens the door to explore new ways of thinking.
* Jaak Panskeep, Affective Neuroscience: The Foundations of Human and Animal Emotions
** Byers, John: Play as an organizing principle: Clinical evidence and personal observations