There are 13,809 kilometers that separate Argentina from Qatar. However, that distance and remoteness will not prevent each save by Dibu Martínez, each closing by Cuti Romero, each good pass by Leo Paredes or each attack by Toro Martínez, not to insist with each flash of Leo Messi, from impacting the local geography , be it a home, an educational center, an office or a factory.
The World Cup has already begun to be played and the corporate world is no stranger to the soccer environment. Lionel Scaloni’s team will be responsible for modifying structures and schedules, as well as generating actions to encourage a good working environment. “Companies are already fully experiencing everything that has to do with the World Cup. They prepare different activities and actions to take advantage of this event. Firstly, because even the managers themselves like football, secondly, because it is the most important sporting event on the planet and, also, because people are not going to ignore an event like this because of their work”, he points out. Julio Bressoprofessor at the Faculty of Business Sciences of the Austral University and director of BRESSO C&M. For this reason, a rescheduling of the schedules in which the matches of Argentina are played is already underway. Also, Human Resources specialists recommended to their clients that they take advantage of the example of Scaloni’s management style. “We put this case to them to analyze how a job beyond the entire context, if the project is serious, prudent, silent and far from scandal, the results are given,” Bresso emphasizes.
In and out. While the Marketing departments focus on how to generate user demand, the Human Resources area focused on generating actions so that employees have a special experience. In the business world, not only is there talk of face-to-face, but also how to attract staff to participate in each game inside the offices.
Thus, the menu of options that appears on the scene is very varied: Prode, merchandising, themed catering and team building activities are some of the proposals that companies resort to.
Whether from the office or from home, the companies propose different ways of experiencing the World Cup. One of them is the classic Prode. “We have the possibility of giving great prizes and we will do that. The winners will be able to take giant screen TVs, microwaves, air conditioners and other household appliances that we sell.”, he comments Carolina BompadrePeople & Culture Manager of HR of the BGH group.
Another case is that of Thermomix, which unified the actions in its headquarters in Argentina and Uruguay. “We have an online Prode for all employees in both countries, with important prizes. All accompanied by a communication campaign of flyers that circulate by mail, messages on our giant screens and flyers”, details Alejandra Galmarini, People Head of the subsidiary of the German company. In addition, the activities contemplate the transmission of the meetings in the offices. “What we are looking for is that our people find reasons to have fun and get excited about playing. Above all, generate an open space to express the emotions of each one and that we share a moment of celebration with a lot of vibesGalmarini added.
Most of the firms will set up special spaces to watch the National Team matches, be it dining rooms, meeting rooms or even sectors for the installation of giant screens. “The idea is to share a field menu with choripanes. If we reach the semifinal, we will close the offices at 4:00 p.m. ”, anticipates Vanessa BouletTalent Manager of Eventbrite. For his part, since megatech affirm that “We are going to show all the games, not just those in Argentina. We equip our three buildings with projectors so that everyone can enjoy the World Cup”.
Face-to-face. “The idea is to watch the games in the office, get together and share snacks and drinks with the idea of encouraging a better work environment, greater confidence and teamwork. These are the values that sport promotes and that we want to be transmitted in our organization”, he adds Maria Jose Castroof Dahua Technology Argentina.
Remote control. For those who work from home, several companies plan to send out merchandising or catering kits on national team game days, as well as themed settings with pennants and balloons so employees can dress their remote offices in light blue and white. The World Cup fever will also include a raffle for balls and shirts.
“Football is always a celebration. Policies have to do with adapting to schedules, even though it is a problem for companies. Perhaps they will have to suspend some activities because there is no way to organize them. There are multinationals based all over the world, who had to suspend training schedules until February or March. ANDhe World Cup paralyzes in many aspects. People are down, therefore, it is important to have the possibility of generating a meeting in which everyone pulls for the same side. This championship has that special characteristic”, closes the consultant.
As much as geography marks the distances between Argentina and Qatar, soccer can do everything. And the business world also lives that passion.
by Marcelo Alfano
