24 Hours: Lieke ten Brummelhuis on World Cup watching in the workplace

Beedie School of Business assistant professor Lieke ten Brummelhuis.

The following article was published in 24 Hours on Tuesday, 1 July 2014.

Watching the World Cup may not be as bad for business as one would assume, according to a professor at Simon Fraser University’s Beedie School of Business.

The World Cup games have been taking place during the day in Vancouver and recently news reports saying City of Vancouver staff were watching the matches made headlines.

Professor Lieke ten Brummelhuis said although it depends on the job, it may be in the best interest of employers to allow employees to watch soccer as it can help build a sense of teamwork.

“If you watch it together with co-workers it could create a group feeling or some bonding,” said ten Brummelhuis. “Losing a game together might actually create some bonding, too.”

She said employees may also be more productive after taking a break to watch the game, or be grateful to the employer and work harder.

But she said it doesn’t work for every job.

“If you’re waiting in an emergency room, you’d rather have your physician be there,” she said.