Q: I am a manager of a large team in a financial services company in downtown Boston. If a Boston team wins a big game (read World Series or Super Bowl), it seems like everyone in Boston uses that an excuse to play hooky for the day. I grew up in the Midwest and I am not a sports fan so this is hard for me to grasp. How do companies manage this?
A: Your question is timely since the incredibly talented Boston Red Sox just won the World Series late last night. We are all lucky the game lasted about three hours, which hopefully helps employees on Monday morning. A few thoughts:
- Rejoice with us! We accept sports fans from other states, countries or planets. Enjoy the moment!
- If you don’t love our teams, pretend. I don’t understand how someone can’t love our teams, but I know there are people out there who don’t. Give a high five. Talk about Pearce and Price. Smile. Laugh. It’s not a bad way to start a work week. It’s a joyful time in Boston!
- Allow for some late arrivals. There will be a few employees, who normally arrive bright and early, who might walk in later than their regular start time. Let them have their late arrival today.
- Learn from the Sox. What was magical about their journey? Alex Cora is a great leader and takes pride in his team and their journey. This team is celebrating success. Are there successes in your office which might be worth celebrating?
- Bring in some late afternoon coffee or treats to keep employees motivated through the day.
Finally, you may have employees who want to attend the parade. Yes, we have a parade, complete with the team riding on duck boats through the streets of Boston. Start planning for that now. You will inevitably have some employees who may want to take a few hours mid-day to watch the parade. Or others might request a vacation day. We had entire generations who never saw the Sox win a World Series. Let your employees enjoy this sweet victory!