Is the World Cup Really Harming Workplace Productivity?

At many offices (including CyberCoders), streaming a game or two of the FIFA World Cup 2014 is not unheard of. As the most-watched sport in the world, the World Cup encourages office comradery, boosts morale and gives us a fun reason to come together and rally for a common goal.

In many soccer-centric countries around the world, everyone slows down a little to make time to root for their national team. “Plenty of companies, courts and local government offices 'slowed down their pace' due to the event. In cities such as Rio, to facilitate the flow of tourists, even a few 'days-off' were scheduled,” says Dirceu Santa Rosa, a lawyer who is based in Brazil, in a recent LinkedIn Pulse post.

Did you know: “Most businesses--91 percent in Argentina, 92 percent in Chile, 86 percent in Mexico and 78 percent in Colombia are allowing employee to watch their national teams,” according to an infographic by Mercer.

Again—the World Cup is the most-watched sport in the world. Its infiltration of the workplace is inevitable. Here are three reasons why it's better to join it rather than trying to beat it!

1. It’s a Great Way to Establish or Strengthen Relationships

It’s one of the easiest, most effective ice breakers around. Even simple questions like “Which teams are you rooting for?” or “Did you catch that tie-breaking goal?” is enough to drum up great small talk with strangers.

Most everyone hears about the games, so it’s a great way to start relationships with people you want to add to your network.

And when your common team scores, the overflowing excitement that runs through your veins while cheering “GOOOAAAALLLLLLLLL” can create a momentary extraordinary bond akin to, not just coworkers, but friends. It’s enough to create some solid networking groundwork. This can offer long-term benefits of collaboration, comradery and communication that comes with a community environment.

2. Watching the Players and Teams can Boost Morale & Inspiration

Countless studies show that folks perform better when they’re in good moods and enjoy their jobs. When you allow your team a chance to smile and get pumped up about the games at work, you’re directly injecting a jolt of happiness into your team. This positivity can transform into motivation to achieve work goals.

One recent study shows that spending extra time with your boss can help you feel more inspired and engaged.

“Leaders who aim to improve their direct reports' level of engagement, motivation, inspiration or innovation need to assess whether they're spending enough time interacting with them," Mark Murphy, founder and CEO of Leadership IQ told Mashable. "Likewise, if you're looking for a promotion by shining on these same criteria, one best bet is to spend the right amount of time with your boss.”

What better way to interact than enjoying a game of fùtbol?

3. The Bottom Line: As Long as the Team is Hitting Work Goals, the World Cup Shouldn’t Harm Productivity

By making it part of the company culture (streaming certain games), you allow everyone a chance to manage their time and expectations accordingly.

"The important part is, are you hitting your work goals and commitments?" Ari Goldberg, chief executive of trend site Stylecaster, told NBC News. “If that's happening, he said, he's happy to let employees tune in at one of the office TVs, or stream to their desktop.

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