High profile tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup bring out the sports fan in anyone. The energy is infectious enough to grab the attention of those who aren’t usually into sports. Events like the FIFA World Cup are conducted once in four years. It also marks the end of the careers of many sports stars, while new heroes rise.
As someone who isn't too keen on football, I was drawn to the upset match between Mexico and Germany, the 95th-minute goal of Kroos, Iceland’s draw against Argentina, Argentina losing against Croatia. So much of the sport got my adrenaline rushing, whether it's scrolling through Facebook newsfeeds, discussing the match or arguing over never-ending debates about Messi or Ronaldo.
One of my colleagues at an earlier job took a day off from his office to watch the match between India-Pakistan at the 2015 World Cup. And on the eve of the India-Pakistan semi-final match at Mohali in 2011 World Cup, the Vice Chancellor at the University I was studying in declared the next day as a holiday.
In a work environment, the stakes are high as day-to-day operations, and targets could get hampered. But it's time for organizations to embrace the power of the tournament.
Here are a few things organizations can do:
When your employees can stay productive while taking some time away from work, Why not support them? Make sure you help the line managers and employees to organize and plan their work well ahead of time.
Companies also use this time to engage in volunteering activities – such as supporting schools or sports clubs at the local level.
Ideate as to how you can make the work atmosphere festive and supportive. Remember that a happy workplace leads to more productivity.