Stanley Cup activities at work get mixed reviews

One-fifth of workers distracted by major sporting events: Survey

One in four (25 per cent) Canadian managers feel Stanley Cup activities — such as watching games or participating in pools that don’t involve money — shouldn't be allowed in the workplace, according to an OfficeTeam survey

However, 53 per cent said group events tied to the tournament are OK in moderation and 18 per cent welcome them as a diversion.

"As long as they don't interfere with work, activities tied to sporting events can be great for morale," said OfficeTeam executive director Robert Hosking. "Watching a game together or holding friendly contests provides opportunities for employees to build team spirit."

When workers were asked, “Overall, how often would you say you are distracted from your work by major sporting events?,” 20 per cent of employees said they are sometimes distracted, found the survey of 304 senior executives and 1,024 workers.

Almost one-third (32 per cent) said they are rarely distracted by major sporting events and 48 per cent said never, found OfficeTeam.

Of all the respondents, more men (29 per cent) than women (11 per cent) confessed to being at least occasionally distracted on the job by outside sporting events. Thirty per cent of professionals between the ages of 18 and 34 also admitted to being sidetracked, more than those in other age groups.

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