As the FIFA World Cup captures the attention of millions of people around the globe, many employers may be wondering what it means for the workplace. Employees will inevitably be checking scores, discussing match results and rooting for their favorite teams throughout the tournament. While some organizations may view this as a potential distraction, forward-thinking employers have an opportunity to see it differently.
At a time when employee burnout remains high and workplace connection is increasingly difficult to foster, major cultural moments like the World Cup can serve as valuable opportunities to strengthen engagement, build camaraderie and support employee well-being.
In today’s workplace, those opportunities matter more than ever.
Employees Are Looking for Ways to Recharge
Recent Robert Half research found that 59% of professionals report feeling burned out at work, and one-third (33%) say they are more burned out today than they were a year ago. The reasons are familiar to many leaders. More than one-third of workers (38%) cite heavier workloads caused by understaffing as a key contributor to burnout. Others point to feeling stuck in their careers (26%) or lower team morale following restructuring and workforce reductions (25%).
At the same time, employees are navigating rapid workplace change. Artificial intelligence is creating new opportunities, but it is also introducing new pressures. Four in 10 professionals (40%) say AI has increased expectations around productivity, while 35% feel overwhelmed by the need to continually learn new tools and technologies. Nearly one-quarter (24%) worry about job security if they don’t keep pace with evolving AI skills.
These findings paint a picture of a workforce that is working hard, adapting quickly and searching for opportunities to recharge. That doesn’t necessarily require a major investment from employers. Sometimes, it starts with creating space for employees to connect over something they enjoy.
Shared Experiences Build Stronger Teams
One of the challenges many organizations continue to face is maintaining a strong sense of culture in hybrid and remote work environments. While flexibility has created many benefits, it has also reduced many of the informal interactions that once happened naturally throughout the workday. Employees have fewer opportunities to connect with colleagues outside of meetings, projects and deadlines.
The World Cup creates a shared experience that transcends departments, job functions and backgrounds. Conversations about favorite teams, match predictions and tournament highlights can spark connections among employees who may not otherwise interact regularly. Those moments may seem small, but they contribute to something larger: stronger workplace relationships. Employees who feel connected to their colleagues often report greater engagement, collaboration and job satisfaction. In a labor market where retention remains a priority for many employers, fostering those connections can have lasting value.
Engagement and Productivity Can Coexist
Some leaders may worry that embracing the excitement around the tournament could negatively impact productivity. The reality is that employees will likely follow major events regardless of whether organizations acknowledge them. The more effective approach is often to create reasonable opportunities for participation while maintaining clear expectations around performance and responsibilities.
Simple initiatives can help strike that balance:
- Organize a lunchtime watch party for a major match.
- Host a friendly bracket or prediction challenge.
- Encourage team discussions around tournament highlights.
- Allow employees flexibility to check scores during breaks.
- Create virtual engagement opportunities for remote workers.
These activities can boost morale without disrupting business operations. In fact, when employees feel trusted to manage their time responsibly, organizations often see stronger engagement and commitment in return.
A Culture of Balance Starts with Leadership
Leaders play an important role in shaping how workplace activities are experienced.
Managers should establish clear expectations around professionalism, respectful behavior and time management while also encouraging employees to enjoy the moment. Friendly competition can be a positive force, but inclusivity and respect should always remain priorities. Equally important, leaders should model the behavior they want to see. When managers participate appropriately while continuing to prioritize business needs, they demonstrate that it is possible to engage in workplace activities without sacrificing performance.
This approach sends an important message: employees can be productive and human at the same time.
Small Moments Can Make a Big Difference
Many employees aren’t taking the breaks they need. Robert Half research found that 54% of workers did not use all of their available paid time-off last year. Among them, nearly one-third worried their workload would pile up while they were away, while 27% said they lacked adequate backup support. While a World Cup watch party isn’t a substitute for taking vacation time, it can provide employees with a valuable opportunity to step away from their daily responsibilities, recharge and connect with colleagues.
As someone who works closely with employers and professionals across the Valley, I’ve seen firsthand how small moments of connection can strengthen teams, improve morale and create a more positive workplace culture. The energy surrounding the World Cup offers one more opportunity for organizations to bring people together in meaningful ways.
Travis Laird is the senior regional director and workplace trends expert at talent solutions and business consulting firm, Robert Half
