Sports has a large role to play in the overall development of a person. There are physical benefits -- sports brings stamina or the ability to focus on a goal. The drive to win and the need for team work are also important in emotional development. Sports is a low cost investment in holistic self-development. 

Regular practice inculcates discipline and channelises energy productively. Encouraging employees to play a sport either together or individually ensures that do not waste their time in fruitless pursuits. There is a direct correlation in regular physical activity and productivity. Often though, employees may not be motivated to pursue sports or exercise when left to their own devices. In such a case, the HR department of a company can take initiative and facilitate sporting activity for employees.

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There are many ways of getting employees organised. You can create an in-house sports club which employees can be encouraged to join. Alternatively the organisation can take membership of a club and offer the club facilities to employees.

HR may have to take an active role initially to get tournaments started and facilitate the formation of teams, set practise timings and make provision of transport arrangements, till the teams start driving momentum. HR may also have to get involved by making regular visits, showcasing players’ achievements, to show support and ensure that the time is being used to play sport only. 

When employees come together to play and participate in tournaments as a team, they learn to work across departmental barriers to win as a team, learn to obey rules, respect others for their performance and take risks. The playing field tests their decision making and coaching skills, thus preparing them for leadership roles. 

While it is not necessary that a good player will go on to become a great leader in the organisation, there can be no doubt that players get a lot of visibility in the organisation. They spread positive energy and work well with others across cultural barriers. 

Playing it is not the same as watching it. Plan your next office sports event and watch your team come together and grow.

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