Can the 2022 World Cup build your team spirit this winter?

The 2022 World Cup is uniting football fans around the world but, as the final approaches on December 18, can it unite your team?

CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared on Robert Half

The 2022 World Cup has started, and football fans around the world will be watching the games with bated breath. 

Some employers may be concerned that these events can cause distractions in the workplace, or employees wanting to take time out of their day to watch the games. However, there is great potential for employers to encourage team spirit, increase employees’ job satisfaction, and boost team morale by embracing World Cup excitement in the office.

Here are a few ideas on how the World Cup tournament can encourage team spirit in the office.

Offer flexi-time 

With matches kicking off on weekdays, as early as 10am through to 4pm, you could offer your employees who traditionally work nine-to-five some leeway to catch some of the football action.

Discuss the hours that would ensure customer service is met and let your team members know their expected hours ahead of time. Allowing your team flexibility in their work schedule is one way of providing autonomy and showing trust to your team, which will, in turn, improve productivity and job satisfaction.

Organise a five-a-side tournament

Some exercise and healthy competition can help a team spirit in a way that often can’t be achieved in an office setting. Organising a game of football during the tournament will help with team bonding both on and off the pitch.

Show games in the office

Allowing employees to watch the matches together can help to build relationships between departments that wouldn’t otherwise happen. Setting up the conference room, or screening the tournament on the kitchen TV (even on mute), will help to make sure that employees who aren’t interested in the action, or have pressing deadlines, aren’t distracted.

Encourage match day activities

Allowing employees to wear the jersey of the teams they are supporting, decorating the office in a football theme and providing match day snacks from the countries competing on the day will build comradery in the office. This boost to morale will have a good effect on employees while they are working.

Encouraging staff to enjoy the festivities of the World Cup, and similar events, can be a great reward for their hard work and dedication. These team activities are important to making employees feel valued. By focusing on your employees’ job happiness, you will grow a successful team that is more motivated and productive at work.