The fact that employee satisfaction is directly linked to productivity and performance is common knowledge. Happy employees tend to be more motivated and engaged, which allows them to conduct their tasks more efficiently and get better results. There are many factors that can contribute to higher engagement levels, including a positive work environment, fair treatment and compensation, equal opportunities for growth and development, good work-life balance, and so on.
Another strategy that employees can use to keep their workforce happy and productive is to encourage social activities that foster positive relationships between team members and ultimately lead to stronger and more engaged teams, and it just so happens that fantasy football is one such activity.
Fantasy football has become a burgeoning social phenomenon in recent decades, with millions of people from all over the world participating in this virtual sports arena. In the UK, the Fantasy Premier League (FPL), which is the official free-to-play fantasy football game of the English Premier League, attracts a player base of over 10 million people. This makes it the largest fantasy football game in the world. Many of those who enjoy playing fantasy football take their passion to work as well and mainly compete against their colleagues, turning fantasy football into a very popular workplace pastime.
Therefore, one naturally wonders whether fantasy football in the workplace is helping or hurting companies. The answer largely depends on how managers approach the situation since the balance can tilt to either side.
Fantasy football as a team-building tool
Team building activities are occasionally criticised and mocked for being a waste of time and resources, but studies show that these fun and sometimes silly events can be a great way to bring people closer together and create a sense of camaraderie and belonging.
Obviously, some exercises are more effective than others, so it’s important for managers to know what types of activities to focus on when looking to enhance team cohesion. Unsurprisingly, fantasy football can serve a very effective team building tool due to its interactive and entertaining nature.
For starters, fantasy football appeals to a wide variety of audiences, not just die-hard football fans, so it can easily become a common ground for socialisation and bonding in the workplace. This is already happening in many companies, where people gather in the breakroom or at lunchtime to talk about their fantasy teams and results. Managers can take advantage of this hobby and create official office leagues to create a more laid-back workplace environment and encourage positive employee interaction.
When staff members connect over their shared interests, collaboration and communication are bound to improve and a series of other benefits can trickle further down from here. This can foster stronger relationships, and therefore contribute to higher motivation and engagement levels. Keeping employees happy and engaged is key to maintaining low turnover rates, so one can say that people who play fantasy football together stick together.
Moreover, with better communication and collaboration comes increased safety. Trivial discussions around fantasy football can pave the path to more meaningful conversations on a range of work-related topics, including workplace risks and hazards. Addressing these issues can ensure protection against accidents and other disturbing events, thus reducing the likelihood of companies dealing with workers seeking compensation for work-related injuries.
Also, in a work setting where fantasy football is not only allowed but also supported, the competitive gameplay it entails can smoothen the process of integrating new hires. When employees are just starting out and don’t know much about the culture of the company or have difficulties relating to their peers, fantasy football can act as an ice-breaker, bridging gaps between co-workers and making it easier for newcomers to become integral and efficient parts of the team.
The drawbacks
Using fantasy football to build better teams can be a clever move from managers as long as they are aware of the drawbacks as well. Left unchecked, fantasy football in the workplace can also have some negative consequences. What is generally regarded as an inclusive and enjoyable activity that provides the opportunity for socialisation and friendly competition also has the potential to lead to full-blown rivalries that can divide and even create conflicts among workers instead of strengthening their bonds.
Sometimes, people get so wrapped up in their passion for fantasy football that they go a bit overboard and let it seep into the real world, which can affect their work relationships. As strange as it may sound, there is a risk of colleagues and even managers changing their attitude towards others based on their performances in fantasy football.
Another reason why managers should practice caution if they want to integrate fantasy football into the company’s culture is the probability of productivity loss. Some employees can end up managing their fantasy teams and devising strategies during work time, thus neglecting their duties and being less productive.
Furthermore, in companies where official fantasy football leagues are created, more serious issues related to discrimination or gambling risk can ensue, posing a real challenge for managers.
Since fantasy football can be both an aid and an issue in the workplace, managers need to work towards maintaining a balance if they want to reap the benefits while also avoiding risks. Doing things in moderation is usually the best policy. This means managers should establish clear boundaries around fantasy football in the office, communicating when and for how long these activities can take place (e.g. during breaks, lunchtime, organised events, etc.).
Constant supervision is also a solution that can help tackle potential issues early on. If there are any indications that fantasy football activities are disrupting workplace dynamics and norms in any way, managers should intervene promptly and address these problems before they can cause further inconveniences.
To sum it up, fantasy football is usually more than welcome in the workplace, but it has to come with rules and boundaries to ensure it benefits everyone.
