OLD PAGES > World Cup Fever: A Great Way to Build Office Morale - 13 Jun

World Cup Fever: A Great Way to Build Office Morale -13 June 2006

With Australia’s campaign for the 2006 soccer World Cup underway, employers are being encouraged to use Australians passion for the Socceroos as a way of building workplace morale.

“This is a world phenomenon that Australia has missed for the past three decades, possibly the only sporting events to rival it are the America’s Cup win in 1983 and the Sydney Olympics”, said Mark Grimson, CEO of the Illawarra Business Chamber.

“There will be a few nay-sayers who will be moan possible productivity loss, however smart businesses will use the World Cup to generate workplace morale and enthusiasm. 

“Office tipping competitions, business sponsored coffee-breaks on mornings after games, green and gold mufti days, are the types of things that businesses can do.

“Whilst I expect there will be many workers (and bosses) yawning through the morning after World Cup days, I don’t think we will see absenteeism. 

“I expect many soccer die-hards will talk with their employers to arrange leave – and for those workplaces which operate around the clock, I expect we will see many TVs brought in, no different than the Olympics. 

“Our workplaces are becoming more flexible and part of that flexibility, is the ability and capacity for both employers and employees to plan for big events such as the World Cup. 

“What is important is that employers and employees detail their expectations in relation to work performance during the World Cup.  There is a world of difference between a few yawns and a bad hangover.  If you are expecting to have a big night, then my advice is to arrange your leave well ahead of time so you can enjoy the game, without putting your work and reputation at risk.

“We should not forget that serious workplace accidents do occur when people are tired or have hangovers, so we all need to take extra care in relation to occupational health and safety.

Mr Grimson said he did expect some industries in Australia to profit from the World Cup – retailers of plasma and flat screen TVs, sporting apparel and memorabilia, newspapers, coffee sellers, pubs and clubs operating 24 hours, taxis, late night takeaway outlets, the gaming industry and products associated with the Socceroos.

 For more information contact Mark Grimson on 02 4229 4722 or 0409 155 240

Release date: 13/06/06