Types of corporate sports events

Corporate sports events and corporate tournaments have gained a lot of popularity in India. Primarily due to the fact that these are excellent mechanism of employee engagement and team building outside of the formal work space.

Typically we see the following types of corporate events:

1. Internal tournaments: For popular sports like football, cricket, badminton, volleyball and athletics. Usually we see inter-department events where each department unites and fights as a team against other departments. The camaraderie and team spirit that such events inspire in the staff is truly incredible.
2. External tournaments: These are events where one company participates as a team and competes against other companies. The event can be a single sport or even a multi sport, Olympics style event. Representing one’s own organisation seems to bring out high energy among the players and spectators.
3. Sports day: Many corporates are increasingly observing sports day or commemorating certain days with a specific theme or a cause. Team outings to a sports center with multiple sports facilities, where the employees can engage in different sports and physical activities is quite a popular option. Alternatively, going on a cycling or hiking trip to a natural setting or a nature resort is another option. Finally, a fitness challenge month or a week where everyone is encouraged to be active and log their activities such as steps taken, kilometers walked, etc.. is a great concept too.
4. Marathon events: We all know how TCS World 10K and the Spirit of Wipro run have become such a global phenomenon. There are many companies who conduct smaller runs within their organisation to encourage employees to take up running and walking as a physical activity to stay healthy. Such events have always found great response due to the simplicity and universality of these sports.
5. Sports mindset or sports culture: Sports teaches a lot of values such as discipline, leadership, respect, positive outlook, self esteem, focus, etc.. These are excellent traits that can be applied to the work place to improve individual performance as well as the overall organisation’s performance. Workshops to practice and inculcate such positive behaviour among the employees by sports coaches, sports psychologists and players is an extremely worthy investment.

Sports events have proven themselves to be an excellent method to improve communication, empathy, bonding and motivation among employees.

At CoachDirect, we conduct all the above types of corporate sports events. We are sports tournament organisers and event managers, who take care of all aspects of the event so that the employees can really have a good time and the corporate can reap excellent benefits. The author is founder and partner of CoachDirect.