• About
  • Contact
  • Testimonials
  • Newsletter
  • More
    • Demographics & Advertising Rates
    • Terms & Conditions
Monday, March 27, 2023
No Result
View All Result
California Business Journal
  • Front Page
  • Business
  • Finance
  • People
  • Featured
  • Opinion
  • Technology
  • Law
  • News
  • Food
  • Art & Culture
  • Human Interest
  • Education
  • Insurance
  • Real Estate
  • Health & Fitness
California Business Journal
ping pong playing-table-tennis-in-office

Human Interest: How Ping Pong became Silicon Valley’s favorite sport

Dedicated movements and groups like Startup Ping Pong started ping pong tournaments that led to a new workplace culture.

by Shawn Price, Staff Writer, California Business Journal
A A
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Ping pong and table tennis have become part of “the new startup culture.” So much so that it has become Silicon Valley’s favorite sport. In fact, there are dedicated movements and groups like Startup Ping Pong that hold startup ping pong tournaments in the Bay Area.  

Reinventing Office Space

Tech startups are renowned for taking matters into their own hands. With their entire aim to bring innovation to the marketplace, it only makes sense to them to try and do things differently – and this includes back at their base.

If you get the chance to take a walk through the offices of tech companies, you’ll see things run differently to other businesses. Mobile working stations, dedicated gaming sections, cafes, walls you can write on, portable pool tables and, of course, ping pong; these are just a few examples but the list goes on and on. It’s all about creating a relaxed environment.

ADVERTISEMENT

But even so, while it’s great to not always conform with the status quo, these quirks aren’t greeted with such a positive mindset from others outside the industry, particularly when it comes to defining working culture.

Culture refers to the people and how they interact with each other in the environment, rather than purely relying on the bells and whistles.

And it’s for this reason that having ping pong tables around is key to both startups and thriving organizations around the world.

Purpose

Ping pong first started to crop up in the tech office space back in the 1990s. 

Its purpose back then wasn’t just used as a way to show how the company encourages creativity and growth. Instead, ping pong was popular because it was one of the few sports that people of all ages could play and enjoy, along with helping to promote critical thinking skills.

Professor of Neuroscience and Psychology at New York University, Wendy Suzuki, has been looking into how ping pong impacts our brains. Her studies led to her labeling ping pong as a “brain sport” back in 2011.

She’s not along in this thinking. Will Shortz, the creator of many New York Times puzzles, has gone on the record himself claiming that ping pong is the best brain sport there is. He compares the strategies involved to “chess on steroids”.

Further, another reason why Silicon Valley loves ping pong is that not only does it stimulate the brain, but it also acts as a social hub for team members to interact and get to know one another better. When teams are more connected, communication becomes a lot easier.

The End Goal

Tech companies understand people are not able to function at their best when they spend a lot of time on one task. If they are to achieve their end goal and change the world, everyone must be able to work at their best. 

For this reason, ping pong breaks are actively encouraged and have become a staple in tech office working culture. Some may get their daily exercise from playing every day, but it’s mainly there as a productivity tool.

Tags: bay areabraincreatorculturegamingHow Ping Pong became Silicon Valley’s favorite sportinnovationmarketplaceneuroscienceNew YorkPing PongprofessorpsychologyscienceSilicon ValleyskillsstartupsSuzukiValley
ADVERTISEMENT
Shawn Price, Staff Writer, California Business Journal

Shawn Price, Staff Writer, California Business Journal

Related Posts

How Technology Is Transforming the Sports Business
How Technology Is Transforming The Business of Sports
advertisement
ADVERTISEMENT

CBJ Newsletter

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Instagram LinkedIn

Advertise With CBJ

Contact Rick@CalBizJournal.com

CBJ Rates and Demographics

Job Postings

CEO Wanted


Requirements: BS/BA + 2yrs of Business Managing Experience

Mail Resume: Grand Life, Inc. 14647 Northam St. La Mirada, CA 90638.

$114,754/year

ADVERTISEMENT
1REALTOUR-SAN DIEGO-WEB DESIGN
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn LinkedIn Instagram Youtube
C B J   LOGO  SVG-01
  • About
  • Contact California Business Journal
  • Testimonials
  • Demographics & Advertising Rates
  • Terms & Conditions

Categories

  • Art & Culture
  • Business
  • California Hotel Listings
  • Daily Updates
  • Editor's Choice
  • Education
  • Featured
  • Finance
  • Food & Dining
  • Health & Fitness
  • Human Interest
  • Insurance
  • Law
  • Lawyers
  • Marketing
  • Medical
  • News
  • Newsletter
  • Opinion
  • People
  • Popular
  • Real Estate
  • Social Media
  • Technology
  • Uncategorized

CBJ Partner Firebrand Media

Laguna Beach Independent Newspaper
 Laguna Beach City Guide
 Newport Beach Independent Newspaper
Newport Beach Country Club Magazine
  Montage Magazine
 Omni Escapes Hotel Magazine
 Bespoke Concierge New York
 Evans Hotels
 Laguna Beach Magazine
 On The Menu Laguna Beach
 Newport Beach Magazine
Coastal Real Estate Guide (NB,LB, CDM)
Monarch Beach Resort Magazine
 Pacific Coast Magazine (SoCal)
Sea Island Life Magazine
Salamander Hotel & Resorts Magazine
 View our entire portfolio

 

Most Viewed

  • Gavel, scales of justice and law books

    Lawsuit Basics: How Much Does It Cost to Sue Someone?

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Investigation: Can TriumphFX Take Your Money?

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • The Impact of Covid: Racing to Buy Second Citizenships

    3 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • What to Do When an Online Casino Refuses to Pay Out Your Winnings

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • The Truth About Temu: Where Is It From?

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Top 5 Flavors On Elf Bar BC5000 Review

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • NFL Paychecks: How Do NFL Players Get Paid?

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Temu’s New Shipping Policy Is A Smashing Hit For Shoppers All Over the Country

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Five Reasons Why The Government Does Not Like Bitcoin

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • How to Start a Telecommunication Business: A Step-By-Step Guide

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0

Latest Articles

Can You Trust Temu on Facebook and its Referral Games and Rewards?

Can You Trust Temu on Facebook and its Referral Games and Rewards?

Shoe Packing Isn’t as Easy as You Think on Moving Day

Shoe Packing Isn’t as Easy as You Think on Moving Day

How to Prepare Your Home for a Successful Sale

How to Prepare Your Home for a Successful Sale

Is It Possible to Track Facebook Messenger Secretly?

Is It Possible to Track Facebook Messenger Secretly?

How To Date Over 60 Successfully?

How To Date Over 60 Successfully?

BioLargo’s PFAS Treatment Technology Meets EPA’s Proposed New Drinking Water Standards

BioLargo’s PFAS Treatment Technology Meets EPA’s Proposed New Drinking Water Standards

7 Factors to Consider While Picking the Right Freight Carrier for Your E-Commerce Business

7 Factors to Consider While Picking the Right Freight Carrier for Your E-Commerce Business

The Marketing Effect On Healthcare and Wellness Organizations

The Marketing Effect On Healthcare and Wellness Organizations

5 Reasons Why E-Commerce Businesses Rely So Much on Third-Party Logistics (3PL) Services

Why E-Commerce Businesses Rely So Much on Third-Party Logistics (3PL) Services

Making The Smart Choice: Why You Should Shop Online For Best Selling Products

Making The Smart Choice: Why You Should Shop Online For Best Selling Products

California Business Journal | California Business News, California News Media, California business articles | Orange County, Los Angeles, San Diego, Inland Empire, Northern California, San Francisco | Huntington Beach CA 92649 | (949) 648-3815
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED BY CALIFORNIA BUSINESS JOURNAL.
Site Design by 1REALTOUR

No Result
View All Result
  • Front Page
  • Business
  • Finance
  • People
  • Featured
  • Opinion
  • Technology
  • Law
  • News
  • Food
  • Art & Culture
  • Human Interest
  • Education
  • Insurance
  • Real Estate
  • Health & Fitness

California Business Journal | California Business News, California News Media, California business articles | Orange County, Los Angeles, San Diego, Inland Empire, Northern California, San Francisco | Huntington Beach CA 92649 | (949) 648-3815
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED BY CALIFORNIA BUSINESS JOURNAL.
Site Design by 1REALTOUR