Whether or not you are into it, it cannot be ignored. Particularly if you’re an employer and your employees are into it. The worst thing would be to overlook its potential and disregards it impacts. Instead, just lean in. Everyone is doing it!
Yes, the Olympics are on and in full swing… Employees are staying up late, catching some screen time before work or during lunch breaks, and constantly checking the medal table. What does this mean for employers? It might mean that productivity is down, and fatigue levels are on the up – probably not the outcome you’re hoping for. Depending on the wording of your employment policies, employees who are keen to keep abreast of the action might even be breaching the acceptable technology usage rules. But can you really be bothered with all that?
While we would always encourage employers to be mindful of employee health and safety (including stress and fatigue management) what if we embraced the opportunities that the Olympics can bring to a workplace rather than focusing on the negatives? What if we encouraged employee enthusiasm in a workplace setting? Happy and healthy employees have good attitudes and good attitudes mean an engaged and loyal workforce which can have positive impacts on the bottom line. Investing in the health and wellbeing of employees adds immense value to a business. By fostering an energetic and collaborative environment, employees have greater enthusiasm for all tasks and are better at staying focused. The Olympics are also a great opportunity to strengthen bonds and improve teamwork.
But how do employers use the Olympics for good? You don’t need to go to the extreme of providing employees with the ability to work flexibly around Olympic events; a quick Google search for “Olympic activities for the workplace” will provide you with several ideas. Perhaps have a think about catering to the different interests and strengths of your people by providing a range of physical, mental and/or creative challenges. Set clear goals, provide appropriate resources, and ensure a safe and inclusive environment that focuses on the Olympic Spirit. Some ideas include sports competitions (rubber band archery, rhythmic gymnastics, or pencil-toss javelin anyone?), national anthem singing competitions, daily quizzes/trivia challenges (these can even be run virtually), group lunchtime exercise, Sports-wear Fridays, or even a casual game of Pictionary.
Obviously, you are going to need a score sheet and prizes! And although we might have missed the mark on this one, you could go the extra mile and plan a Torch Lighting Ceremony (which remote working employees can get involved in). Simply ask everyone to take a picture of themselves holding some kind of flame and put it together in a slideshow to run during the Olympics. Please be careful of fire use in the office though!
If those ideas all sound a bit much like hard work, what about ordering in some pizza one Friday evening and watching the finals? Or holding an Olympic themed breakfast one morning before work? Just make sure attendance is optional…
A potential outcome of all of this is employees who are excited to go to work. So, to all employers, we say embrace this time. We know that this is not really “employment law” advice, but sometimes we all need a break from talking about performance or restructuring process. The hey, the Olympics only come around every four years but can have a huge impact on organisational culture. Let’s go Team NZ!
