Team sport at work could be the key to healthier, happier staff and fewer sick days, according to new research.
The study from Mercedes-Benz Vans found that more than a third of UK business owners (35%) have seen sickness absence fall among employees who take part in team sports, while half said productivity had improved.
A similar number (48%) said playing sport together boosted team spirit, and 50% said it helped create a better workplace culture.
With sick leave costing the UK economy more than £100bn a year, Mercedes-Benz Vans is encouraging more businesses to get staff out on the pitch, launching its own “Vantasy Football” tournament for van drivers and businesses to showcase the benefits of sport at work.
Hosted by former footballer and broadcaster Chris Kamara at St George’s Park, the home of the England football team, the competition brought together teams of van drivers from across the UK for a day of friendly competition and camaraderie.
Kamara said: “Mercedes-Benz Vans has found that team sports reduce sick days and drive a better work culture, so the message is clear - get out playing team sports.”
“Being with friends, talking to people and mixing after work is so important, especially for those who spend long hours working alone. More businesses should be encouraging it, and the research shows they’ll see the rewards in productivity,” Kamara added.
The positive effects of the initiative are already being seen in the real world. Ross Baxter, fleet manager at medical delivery firm Sciensus, entered a team into last year’s tournament and later set up a company-wide five-a-side competition. Since then, his firm has seen a 17% reduction in sick days.
Baxter said: “It’s created a real sense of community and team spirit. Players said it was fantastic to bond with colleagues, and we’ve seen the results… lower absence, lower turnover, and higher morale.”
Mercedes-Benz Vans UK managing director Iain Forsyth said the findings highlight how crucial physical and mental wellbeing are for van drivers and tradespeople.
“It’s clear from our research that team sports are a huge benefit for van drivers – helping them relieve stress and connect with their team-mates,” he said.
“80% of van drivers told us that grassroots sport improves their mental health, which in turn boosts productivity. For businesses that rely on drivers, this is a win-win,” Forsyth said.
The research also showed that over half of drivers (57%) find playing sport with colleagues the best way to relieve stress, while around a third said it helped them see co-workers in a more positive light.
With the number of van drivers on UK roads up 37% since 2012, Mercedes says team sport could be an effective way to keep the workforce motivated, connected and healthy, both on and off the pitch.
