One-third of managers also think Stanley Cup-related activities also boost productivity
With more than a month left in the National Hockey League playoffs, employers can rest easy knowing all the hockey talk going on in the office is actually good for morale and productivity, according to a poll.
A survey of more than 300 managers, conducted by staffing firm OfficeTeam, found 56 per cent of managers agreed "Stanley Cup playoff-related activities in the workplace, such as watching games or participating in pools that don't involve money," had a positive effect on the workplace.
Another 28 per cent thought playoff-related activities had no effect while six per cent believed the impact was negative.
Three out of four managers said productivity wasn't hindered by Stanley Cup activities and 31 per cent suggested workers' output actually increased during the playoffs.
Hockey plays a major role in Canadians' identity and is a common topic of conversation in the office, said OfficeTeam executive director Robert Hosking.
Managers can help build camaraderie by organizing events around the playoffs, he added.
