4 ways businesses can maintain workplace motivation during the World Cup

It’s fair to say that most businesses can see a slump in productivity and motivation during the FIFA World Cup (or any big sporting tournament that takes place on working week days).

Indeed, data from 2010 shows that British workers tuning into the World Cup in South Africa cost the UK an estimated £5.4 billion in lost economic output. With group stage games kicking off at 1pm, you can expect to see workers sneaking off for extending lunches and taking sudden out-of-office meetings.

Workfront, a modern work management solutions provider, has come up with four approaches businesses could take to ensure productivity does not dip or disappear during the month-long competition. The suggestions are based on its research into the external factors that impact productivity and motivation amongst UK workers:

1- Allow flexible hours

Flexible hours, the ability to start earlier or later than the standard working hours, was cited by workers as the perk that most motivated them to become better employees. Over half (52%) of British workers think they’d be more effective if allowed to work when they wished. With flexible hours, businesses can turbocharge productivity without preventing workers from enjoying football matches in the afternoon.

2- Use mornings wisely

According to Workfront’s research, mornings (7am-11:59am) are the most productive time of day. During the World Cup, businesses should take advantage of this and schedule important meetings during in the morning. This way, the afternoon can be freed up for less critical tasks…and football.

3- Work from home

It may sound counterproductive, but working from home came top in the ranking of ‘most productive out-of-office locations’. Workers cited the ability to focus on tasks without the interruption of colleagues and the distractions of the office as the main reason. During the World Cup, businesses should consider allowing workers to do their jobs from home. This allows workers to be more productive and it means they won’t need to commute to make it in time for kick-off. Win-win.

4- Gamify the games

Businesses can add an element of excitement while bolstering productivity through gamification. Rewards such as an early finish or time off can be used to incentivise and motivate workers during the World Cup. Gamifying productivity this way keeps workers engaged and turns what could be a slump into a spike.