Employers in Metro Vancouver are turning meetings into watch parties and embracing flexibility as Canada's World Cup run captures attention during the workday. With Canada set to play its biggest World Cup match in decades at B.C. Place on Thursday afternoon, some employers are swapping conference rooms for viewing parties, streaming games across office screens and even booking group outings, betting that employees will be watching regardless. Some workplaces are embracing the tournament as a morale booster rather than treating it as a distraction.
Tech Companies Lead the Way
At Clio, the World Cup isn't just something employees check scores for on their phones. The large tech company has been streaming FIFA matches throughout its Burnaby office since mid-June, with employees gathering around screens during the workday and often staying after hours to watch together.
"We have a hybrid work environment, but we're finding employees actually want to come into the office for World Cup game days," said Brittany Reardon, the senior director of employee experience at Clio.
For Canada's match on Thursday afternoon, the company is hosting an office mixer featuring a large projector setup, decorations and games. Reardon said enthusiasm has been high among staff, with many employees wearing jerseys representing their home countries.
"We don't think of productivity as the amount of hours behind your computer," she said. "We believe you're also being productive when you build stronger relationships with colleagues, which are relationships that help you do your job afterwards."
Survey Shows Workers Will Adjust Schedules
The approach comes as human resources experts say employers may have little choice but to acknowledge the pull of the World Cup, with many workers expected to adjust their schedules around matches.
A new survey suggests employers may be right to assume employees' attention will be elsewhere during the tournament. Research from global workforce management firm UKG estimates the World Cup will change work routines, with 37 per cent of workers planning to adjust their schedules around matches.
That includes 27 per cent who say they are likely to arrive late, leave early, skip shifts or miss work altogether, while 14 per cent expect to stream matches or highlights while on the job. Another 11 per cent said they would still be working while hungover.
UKG surveyed 8,000 employees across Canada, the United States, Australia, France, Germany, Mexico, the Netherlands and Britain.
Even managers aren't immune, the survey suggests, with 42 per cent saying they would likely take a day off and 45 per cent reporting they would seek last-minute flexibility during the tournament.
Experts Advise Flexibility
Human resources experts say employers who try to shut down World Cup viewing in the workplace may be fighting a losing battle. Cissy Pau, principal consultant with Clear HR Consulting, says employers should expect employees to find ways to follow matches during the tournament, whether that is in the office or on their phones.
Employers across Metro Vancouver are finding that embracing the World Cup can boost morale and team cohesion, turning a potential distraction into an opportunity for engagement.
