With the Olympic Games, the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the European championships fast on the approach, UK businesses should be hugely excited about the opportunities these events will offer. Regardless of whether or not companies have sponsored or invested in these events there is a tremendous opportunity to harness their potential in terms of motivation, employee engagement and community spirit.
A recent survey conducted by Cisco revealed that the majority of UK businesses had yet to make plans to unite their workforce in watching London 2012 action. Just 10 per cent of workers were aware of any plans to watch Games action, either at the office (4 per cent), through a work social event (3 per cent) or in a corporate hospitality environment (1 per cent). While some businesses may not choose to actively embrace such events, they will undoubtedly have a palpable effect on workforces across the UK. Whether watching the action live, on TV or via the internet, staff will want to be involved and employers will have to adapt to this challenge.
Cisco believes 2012 has real potential to bring a sense of patriotism, pride and excitement to the workplace. With approximately one-third of our workforce currently being remotely managed, we see this as a great chance to create a sense of community within the business.
In 2012, we hope to engage employees and reinforce the strong sense of company pride we already enjoy. To put this plan into practice we have launched an HR strategy based on the Olympic rings to promote fun, pride, health and global awareness in the workplace. Initiatives include Cisco’s “gold challenge” which will encourage employees to take part in new sports such as fencing, sailing and riding. This is not only intended to encourage employees to try something new but it also aims to improve teamwork as well as instilling Olympic values, such as motivation and drive in our employees. We will also be holding an Olympic inspired “bring your children to work” day, boosting morale in the office and bringing people together.
In light of this, HR departments across Britain need to change the way they are thinking about these opportunities in their workplace. These events should not be seen as obstacles, distracting employees or causing travel delays. They should instead be viewed as an opportunity to engage employees, drive business performance and build communities which can last way beyond summer 2012.
Interesting thoughts and I see a clear link to the “well-being” agenda. However, being in the public sector, we will, of course, have to balance such opportunities with the need to demonstrate efficiency and value for money for taxpayers in the current economic environment.
Great Idea!!! I agree it increase motivation of your employees and family, they love to work for you, get enthusiastic about their work. Most important it helps them to work as team and improve productivity which is long lasting.