Employers encouraged to embrace summer of sport during Rio Olympics

Employers are being encouraged to embrace the excitement of the Rio Olympics to inspire team motivation during working hours. Employee Motivation Day (EMD) advises businesses to equip their offices during the summer of sport to create a fun atmosphere and encourage productivity.

As research shows that one in five employees would happily take an unwarranted day off to enjoy a sporting event, businesses should consider allowing staff early finishes or late starts so they don’t miss important events, as well as organising team screenings of the Rio Olympics games or creating fun sports activities in the office to help boost motivation. Employers could also consider Rio-themed decorations for the office, or set up sweepstakes for the team.

Jacqui Glenn, Director at Argos for Business, creator of EMD, says: “Playing and watching sports together is a great way to encourage team spirit among co-workers. It is also a rare opportunity for employers and employees to spend time together enjoying something non-work related.

“By acknowledging employees’ desires to support teams in the Olympics and by providing showings of the games or organising fun activities for the whole team such as office Olympics during breaks, businesses can boost morale and help reduce the level of unauthorised sick days.”

The games are an exciting time for sports fans, and the UK as a whole. With the four-hour time difference between Rio and the UK, businesses may experience staff coming into work feeling tired and unproductive following the previous night’s events. Businesses that are flexible with their employees can curb absenteeism and keep productivity levels high.

To help businesses create the perfect setting for enjoying the Rio Olympics together, the Argos Business Account can be used across 50,000 Argos products, with great deals on televisions and sports products – even those designed for indoor use.

The account offers 4% discount on all orders, along with extended payment terms of up to 37 days. And with Argos for Business’ Fast Track, businesses are guaranteed same-day delivery on many items with orders placed by 6pm, seven days a week. They can quickly order items to the office without needing to leave their desks.

Jacqui continues: “Creating a fun environment and offering flexibility to staff to enjoy the games will go a long way in keeping employees happy and productive. And with our free and efficient Argos for Business Account, businesses can access all the products they need to keep their teams on the ball.”