While action-packed summers are great for sports fans, they can create a dilemma for businesses; namely, should they let their employees watch as the drama unfolds?

The reality is that major sporting events prove distracting for employees.

Research commissioned by Epson revealed that 35% checked scores and results while at work, suggesting they weren’t fully concentrating on their jobs.

Furthermore, 19% of respondents revealed they watched events online if there weren’t facilities available in the workplace.

Even worse, almost one in 10 (nine percent) called in sick so that they could watch the sport, while 8% had to miss work the next day due to a hangover.

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In addition, one third stayed up late or got up in the middle of the night to watch a major sporting event.

Clearly, it’s difficult to achieve a high level of workplace productivity during major sporting events are taking place within office hours.

However, with employees distracted, more companies should embrace big sporting events as a way to encourage team bonding.

If staff are going to watch the sport anyway, it makes sense to show the most important matches in the office, via a TV set or a state-of-the-art projection system.

Showing live matches can be a great way to turn a potential distraction into a valuable team building exercise.

For example, the England V Wales match from Euro 2016 was on at 2pm in the afternoon, businesses that showed this will have benefited from employees enjoying the sport together.

Screening events doesn’t just draw working teams together in a collective experience, it also fosters a friendly rivalry between supporters of the respective teams.

Through these events, staff discover common interests, strengthening relationships with their co-workers.

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This year, more than a fifth of businesses (22%) showed Euro 2016 matches, while 15% did the same for the Olympics.

By showing the sport on big screens, companies can prevent people calling in sick and better manage workplace distraction.

By allocating specific times to watch the sport, companies can encourage their staff to complete work before and after the event.

Through investing in cutting-edge projection technology, companies can transform their offices into sporting hubs, generating a positive atmosphere and boosting team morale.

Watching sport is enhanced when on a big screen because spectators feel closer to the action, so fans benefit from coming into work.

Employers do need to appreciate that the type of screen matters – 28% of people surveyed believe a big screen makes enjoying sport more enjoyable, while 51% said a screen with vibrant colour and high image quality is important when watching sport.

There’s little point in companies agreeing to show the match to employees, only to spoil the experience through a blurry picture and poor sound quality.

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AV technology doesn’t just make a good investment during sporting events.

Projectors can also foster collaboration in the boardroom, particularly if they come equipped with interactive features like the Epson EB-595Wi, which can drive more productive and purposeful discussions.

When used educationally, projection devices can also help to upskill employees, enhancing corporate training sessions through powerful visual displays.

During major sporting events, the likelihood is that staff are going to want to follow the action.

Employers should accept this and turn the situation to their advantage. Showing the biggest events can strengthen team relationships and boost company profiles.

By being understanding about staff behaviour and investing in the right AV technologies, businesses can ensure their sports-loving employees are cheering for them, and not just their national team.

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Sourced by Paul Wilson, business manager, Epson VI