It’s More Than Winning: Benefits of Employee Sport Leagues
Many companies offer medical benefits and retirement benefits – but some offer sport benefits, as well. Company softball leagues allow co-workers the opportunity to get out of the office and have fun together. This benefits the whole company, helping teammates and co-workers to feel healthier and happier in the workplace.
Physical Fitness
Did you know that you can burn 370 calories per hour playing softball? Or 500 calories per hour playing volleyball? For employees who work at full-time desk jobs, joining a company sport league offers a chance to get out and get physical. “This is a good way to get out the message of wellness and try to get employees more active and engaged in fitness,” says Louis Moore, senior superintendent of the Houston, Texas, Employee Sports League’s adult sports section.
Stress Relief
For those who have high-stress jobs, company sports offer an outlet to blow off steam and relieve built-up stress in a healthy way with fellow employees. Jimi Fagon, a New York Stock Exchange broker and Wall Street Softball League pitcher, concurs. “At the end of a workday, you’re mentally beat up,” Fagan told “Fast Company” magazine. “But then you hit the field, and you get to run around and scream and do something with your body.
Strengthening Relationships
Playing softball together helps co-workers form and strengthen friendships, and instills a sense of camaraderie among company players. Co-workers who don’t cross paths often in the workplace get a chance to interact and get to know each other, and close associates can enjoy seeing different sides to the people they work with every day. Ryan Albright, an employee in Houston’s city planning department and a recreational softball league member, says company leagues can help build relationships outside of work. “You see another side of people,” Albright says. “Nobody has a role out here except as a teammate.”
Fun and Equality
Playing softball is just plain fun, and playing in a company league allows you to associate a fun activity with work. If you can take the positive feelings you get laughing and playing with co-workers back to the office with you, it will make your workplace a more fun and happy environment. Also, softball allows employees the opportunity to work together and interact with co-workers from other divisions of the company that they may not see otherwise.
Read more at http://www.livestrong.com/article/356465-what-are-the-benefits-of-company-softball-leagues/#ixzz1MvIQKBBJ
