Corporate sport is much more than just physical activity:
is a powerful motivator and team-builder. As Annie Cheminade, a medical officer with the French Federation for Sport in the Workplace(FFSE), points out, "motivating physical activity among employees is motivating the company".
Discover how sports teamwork and sports team building can transform the dynamics of your organization.
The benefits of teamwork sports on employee motivation
Teamwork sports offer advantages that go far beyond the traditional physical benefits. As well as improving health, team sports create a unique environment where hierarchical barriers are broken down and human relationships are strengthened.
Impact on professional relations
Team building sports is a great way to socialize with colleagues.
Annie Cheminade says: "It encourages socialization and human interaction within the company, as well as relations between managers and employees. This often leads to more cordial relations than those usually present in the company."
This transformation of professional relationships through sports team building generates a more collaborative and positive working atmosphere, directly beneficial to productivity and well-being at work.
Creating a lasting team spirit
Sport teamwork builds a genuine team spirit that lasts beyond the sports sessions. Employees who work up a sweat together develop a natural bond that is reflected in their day-to-day collaboration. This collective dynamic strengthens individual and collective motivation.
How to set up an effective sports team building program
Start gently
To successfully implement a sports team building program in your company, a progressive approach is essential.
Annie Cheminade suggests: "Start slowly, once a week.
It introduces people to exercise and encourages them to continue and get more involved."
Recommended sports team-building activities
The options for organizing sports team building are varied and adaptable to all levels:
Accessible activities:
- Group walk or team hike
- Lunchtime yoga or Pilates sessions
- Group cycling to and from work
- Inter-departmental sports challenges
Infrastructure required: To encourage teamwork sports, a few simple facilities are all that's needed: space to park bicycles, showers for active employees, and possibly a multi-purpose room for group sessions.
Team building sports challenges and solutions
Adapting sport teamwork to small businesses
Small structures face specific challenges when it comes to organizing sports team building. Annie Cheminade admits: "Small companies find it difficult to coordinate to run joint activities. We need to support them in obtaining these resources."
Practical solutions:
- Pooling resources with other local companies
- Use public spaces for activities
- Favoring activities requiring little equipment
- Organize short but regular sessions
Teleworking: transforming an obstacle into an opportunity
Teleworking is a challenge for team building sports, but it can also be an opportunity. "Physical activity can serve to maintain the bond between employees and the company.
It can rekindle team spirit," says Annie Cheminade:
- Organize sports team-building sessions on attendance days
- Propose
- Create unifying monthly sporting events
- Using sport as a pretext for regular reunions
The importance of coaching in teamwork sports
Prevent injuries and maximize benefits
Successful sports team building requires professional supervision. "Annie Cheminade emphasizes that supervision is crucial for learning the right moves and preventing injuries and tendonitis." This supervision guarantees not only safety but also the effectiveness of the program.
Creating a positive dynamic
Professional coaching in teamwork sports ensures that every participant, whatever their level, finds their place and progresses at their own pace. This inclusive approach is crucial to keeping all employees motivated.
Measuring the impact of sports team building on performance
Success indicators
To evaluate the effectiveness of your sports team building program, keep an eye on :
- Activity participation rate
- Improving the social climate
- Reducing absenteeism
- Increasing productivity
- Strengthening inter-departmental communication
Return on investment
Sport teamwork generates measurable benefits: improved employee well-being, reduced tension, better team cohesion. These elements translate into improved performance and enhanced attractiveness for the company.
Creating a dynamic corporate culture through sport
Sport as a vehicle for values
Sports team building conveys essential values: surpassing oneself, team spirit, perseverance and mutual respect. These values, lived out concretely during sports activities, are a natural part of the corporate culture.
Attracting and retaining talent
An attractive sports team-building program becomes a recruitment and loyalty-building argument. New generations particularly value companies that invest in well-being and offer stimulating group activities.
Conclusion: Sport as a catalyst for motivation and performance
Motivating employees through sport is not a passing trend, but a sustainable organizational development strategy. Sport teamwork creates authentic bonds, sports team building strengthens cohesion, and sports team building improves overall well-being.
As Annie Cheminade puts it so well: "The employee should feel good, feel good and feel better afterwards. By investing in an adapted sports program, you're investing in your company's health, motivation and performance.
Start gradually, adapt the activities to your context, and observe how sport positively transforms the dynamics of your organization.
The key to success lies in consistency, inclusiveness and adaptation to the specific needs of your teams.