LSA for board games

Board games bring people together, spark creativity, and provide mental stimulation that can benefit employees both personally and professionally. Forma empowers organizations to support their teams' recreational interests through flexible Lifestyle Spending Accounts that can cover gaming expenses.

LSA for board games: building stronger teams through strategic play

An LSA for board games allows employees to purchase tabletop games, join gaming clubs, and participate in board game events that promote social connection, critical thinking, and stress relief in their personal time.

What is an LSA for board games?

An LSA for board games is an employer-funded benefit account that gives employees financial support to purchase board games, card games, strategy games, and related gaming accessories. This benefit recognizes that recreational gaming can contribute to cognitive development, social bonding, and mental wellness outside of work hours.

Employees can use these funds for classic board games, modern strategy games, party games, puzzle games, and even gaming accessories like organizers or protective sleeves. The benefit extends beyond just purchasing games to include memberships at board game cafes, entry fees for gaming tournaments, and participation in local gaming groups or clubs.

Can I get an LSA for board games with Forma?

Yes, board games are typically eligible expenses under most Lifestyle Spending Account programs, as they support mental wellness and social engagement. Forma makes it simple for employers to include board games as an approved expense category within their LSA offerings.

Offering an LSA for board games through Forma demonstrates your commitment to supporting diverse employee interests and recognizing that wellness extends beyond traditional fitness activities. This benefit appeals to employees who value intellectual stimulation, social interaction, and creative problem-solving in their leisure time.

Forma's platform streamlines the entire process, from expense submission to reimbursement, making it easy for employees to access their board game benefits while giving HR teams complete visibility and control over program usage.

Why choose an LSA for board games?

Supports cognitive wellness and mental agility

Board games challenge players to think strategically, solve problems, and make quick decisions. These mental exercises can help employees maintain cognitive sharpness and creativity that benefits them both personally and professionally.

Encourages social connection and team building

Gaming creates natural opportunities for employees to bond with family, friends, and colleagues outside of work. This social interaction helps combat isolation and builds stronger interpersonal relationships that can translate to better workplace collaboration.

Provides stress relief and work-life balance

Engaging in recreational gaming offers a healthy escape from work pressures. The focused attention required for gameplay can serve as a form of mindfulness, helping employees decompress and recharge for better performance at work.

Appeals to diverse employee interests

Board gaming spans all age groups and interests, from quick party games to complex strategy games. This inclusivity ensures that employees with different preferences can find games that match their interests and social comfort levels.

Demonstrates progressive benefits thinking

Offering LSA coverage for board games shows employees that your organization values their whole-person wellness and recognizes that mental stimulation and social connection are important components of overall health.

How does an LSA for board games work?

Step 1: Employer sets up the program

Your organization establishes an LSA program through Forma and designates board games as an eligible expense category. You determine the annual allocation amount and any specific guidelines for game purchases.

Step 2: Employees make purchases

Team members buy board games, gaming accessories, or pay for gaming-related activities like club memberships or tournament entry fees. They can shop at local game stores, online retailers, or gaming venues.

Step 3: Submit expenses for reimbursement

Employees upload their receipts through Forma's user-friendly platform, categorizing their purchases as board game expenses. The system automatically routes submissions for approval based on your program guidelines.

Step 4: Receive reimbursement

Once approved, employees receive reimbursement directly to their bank account or through other payment methods configured in the system. The entire process typically takes just a few business days.

What are the benefits of an LSA for board games?

Enhanced employee satisfaction and retention

Employees appreciate when employers recognize and support their diverse interests. This thoughtful benefit can increase job satisfaction and help retain talent who value comprehensive wellness support.

Improved mental wellness and cognitive function

Regular gaming exercises the brain through strategic thinking, pattern recognition, and problem-solving. These cognitive benefits can translate to improved focus and creativity in the workplace.

Stronger workplace relationships

Employees who game together often develop stronger personal connections. These relationships can improve workplace communication, collaboration, and overall team dynamics.

Cost-effective wellness benefit

Board games provide long-term value, as employees can enjoy them repeatedly with different groups. This makes the benefit cost-effective compared to single-use wellness expenses while still delivering meaningful wellness outcomes.

Competitive advantage in talent acquisition

Offering unique benefits like board game LSAs helps differentiate your organization from competitors and appeals to candidates who value creative and comprehensive benefits packages.

Supporting employee wellness through recreational gaming

Board games offer a unique combination of mental stimulation, social interaction, and stress relief that makes them an excellent addition to any comprehensive wellness program. By including board games in your LSA offerings, you demonstrate understanding that employee wellness extends beyond traditional categories and encompasses activities that bring joy and connection to their lives.

This benefit particularly resonates with employees who value intellectual challenges, social gaming, and creative problem-solving. It shows your organization's commitment to supporting the diverse interests and wellness needs of your entire workforce.

Frequently asked questions about LSA for board games

What types of board games are typically covered under an LSA?

Most LSA programs for board games cover a wide range of tabletop gaming options, including strategy games, party games, card games, puzzle games, and classic board games. This can include popular titles like Settlers of Catan, Ticket to Ride, Scrabble, and Monopoly, as well as newer releases and specialty games. Gaming accessories like dice, card sleeves, game organizers, and storage solutions are often eligible too. Some programs also extend coverage to digital versions of board games or gaming club memberships. The specific eligible items depend on your organization's program guidelines, but most employers take an inclusive approach that covers games promoting social interaction and mental engagement.

Can employees use LSA funds for gaming events and tournaments?

Yes, many LSA programs allow employees to use their funds for gaming-related events and activities beyond just purchasing games. This can include entry fees for local board game tournaments, membership fees for gaming clubs or cafes, admission to gaming conventions, and participation in organized gaming leagues. Some programs even cover travel expenses to major gaming events if they align with the organization's wellness objectives. These experiential uses of LSA funds often provide additional social and networking benefits that complement the cognitive advantages of gaming itself.

How do employers typically set spending limits for board game LSAs?

Employers usually approach board game LSA limits similarly to other recreational wellness categories, often setting annual allocations between $200-$800 per employee depending on the overall LSA budget. Some organizations prefer monthly limits to encourage regular engagement, while others provide annual amounts for more flexibility. The limits often consider that quality board games can range from $20 for simple games to $100+ for premium strategy games, allowing employees to purchase several games throughout the year or invest in higher-end options that provide long-term value.

Are there tax implications for board game LSA benefits?

Board game purchases through an LSA are typically considered taxable benefits to employees, similar to other lifestyle and recreational expenses covered under these programs. This differs from traditional health-related FSA or HSA expenses, which often have tax advantages. However, the tax treatment can vary based on how the program is structured and local tax regulations. Employees should consult with tax professionals for specific guidance, and employers should work with their benefits administrators to ensure proper tax reporting and compliance with applicable regulations.

How can employers measure the success of a board game LSA program?

Employers can track several metrics to assess their board game LSA program effectiveness, including participation rates, employee satisfaction scores, and usage patterns throughout the year. Many organizations conduct surveys to understand how the benefit impacts employee wellness, social connections, and job satisfaction. Some track correlation between LSA participation and employee engagement scores or retention rates. Additionally, monitoring which types of games employees purchase most frequently can help inform future program adjustments and demonstrate employee preferences to leadership when justifying the program's value.