How an office footy tipping competition could open doors

Who loves the office footy tipping competition? Even those of us who don’t normally gamble enjoy the fun and camaraderie.

Footy tipping, Melbourne Cup sweepstakes and other group activities are a great way to get to know your colleagues better and make new contacts.

Or do you fancy getting sweaty with your workmates? Then join a bootcamp together. Piggy backing the CEO or commando crawling with your line manager could open new doors for you.

Group activities are a great way to get on first name terms with senior staff. Having a laugh with your boss or boss’s boss this way will make it easier to start conversations on tricky subjects or even discuss new roles and future pay rises.

Having a laugh with your boss or boss’s boss this way will make it easier to start conversations on tricky subjects or even discuss new roles and future pay rises.

Should you or shouldn’t you? We say: “just do it”. Roll your sleeves up and get stuck into organising a fun event.

Here’s how:

• Think of ideas. The office footy tipping comp is usually a winner. But there are many other ideas. Shared morning teas are simple. So are themed days. Perhaps have after work drinks, organise a trivia night or take the Friday night out on a river cruise. You could have wear a crazy hat to work day. Why not buy a Christmas tree (in December of course) and everyone provides a decoration? Or just decorate the workplace for Australia Day, St Patrick’s Day, Chinese New Year or Easter. Google the words: fun activities at work, for more ideas.
   
• Choose wisely. Think about your colleagues. If they hate sport, then a footy tipping competition where you actually need to know something about the NRL or AFL isn’t the best choice. It might be better to have a sweepstake for the Melbourne Cup or other sporting event where each team member gets a random horse, team or player chosen from a hat. That way they can still win even if they’ve never heard of Greg Inglis or Gary Ablett.
   
• Ask for help. Get your colleagues on board by asking them for ideas and to help you organise the event. Delegating to colleagues both spreads the load, and gets buy-in from others.
   
• Play by the rules. Make sure your HR department or your manager is aware of your plans. It’s a really good idea to keep them onside – especially if there’s any gambling involved or drinks being served. Ask the HR staff to ‘join the team’ and help with the logistics. It will take the stress off your shoulders.
   
• Get the boss to pay. Arm yourself with some facts. Wellness is of huge importance to employers and fun activities energise teams. Happy employees are proven to work better. With a bit of luck your organisation will sponsor the event.
   
• Network like crazy. This is a great opportunity to talk to your managers as equals. You’re the mastermind of this day, so enjoy it and make sure that your career benefits. Next time you’re up for a promotion, everyone will know who you are. It’s an excellent way to reinvent yourself as someone important to the organisation. So get out and chat up everyone involved in the activity. Don’t forget to thank your managers for participating. A little bit of backslapping can be great for your career and your pay packet. But don’t overdo it.
   
• Join in. Even if you’re not the organiser of this event. Don’t be a Grinch. Join in. If you jump in boots and all you’ll enjoy yourself, make work friends and do your career some favours.