UK online bank first direct has adopted an array of bizarre tactics to keep football-crazy staff at their desks during the World Cup, including fancy dress days, giant inflatable footballs and staged 'streaking' events across the call centre.
In an interview with People Management magazine, Nichola O'Brien, organisational development specialist at first direct, says: "We always go the extra mile to ensure that our people feel that they are not missing out just because they are at work. We always have a full calendar of 'World Cup' fun and this year will be no exception."
Staff arriving at work for their shift will be treated to national football anthems broadcast over the intercom system and have traditional matchday snacks such as 'half-time' oranges, pies and bovril delivered to their desks.
The full programme of events ranges from the mundane - design a footie shirt; adopt a team - to the inspired - dress as a WAG for the day; giant inflatable keepie-uppie across the call centre; and 'Match of the Day' interviews with managers.
"We'll even have (very tasteful!) 'streakers' being tackled by 'security' to surprise our people (it's an open-plan office)" says O'Brien.
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