The 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup is upon us, the excitement is building. On 20 July, the first match kicks off with New Zealand vs Norway and the tournament continues with the final taking place on 20 August in Sydney. Football fans around the world will be watching the games with bated breath. There is an easy to read schedule of what has happened and what is happening.

Here are a few ideas how the World Cup tournament can encourage team spirit in the office:

Offer flexi-time 

With matches kicking off on weekdays as early as 6am through to 2pm, you could offer your employees who traditionally work nine to five some leeway to catch some of the football action.

Discuss the hours that would ensure customer service is met and let your team members know their expected hours ahead of time. Allowing your team flexibility in their work schedule is one way of providing your team autonomy and trust, which will in turn improve productivity and job satisfaction

Organise a five-a-side tournament

Some exercise and healthy competition can help a team spirit in a way that often can’t be achieved in an office setting. Organising a game of football during the tournament will help with team bonding both on and off the pitch.

Show games in the office

Allowing employees to watch the matches together can help to build relationships between departments that wouldn’t otherwise happen. Setting up the conference room or screening the tournament on the kitchen TV (even on mute) will help to make sure that employees who aren’t interested in the action or have pressing deadlines aren’t distracted.

Encourage match day activities

Allow employees to wear the jersey of the teams they are supporting, decorate the office in a football theme and providing match day snacks from the countries competing on the day will build comradery and fanfare in the office. This boost of morale will have flow on effect to employees while they are working.

Encouraging staff to enjoy the festivities of the World Cup or similar events can be a great reward for their hard work and dedication. These team activities are important to making employees feel valued. By focusing on your employees’ job happiness, you will grow a successful team that are more motivated and productive at work.