On 30 and 31 August, the Federation of Sports Associations of the Bank of France (FASBF) hosted its Inter-Regional Meet at the Cercle Sports et Loisirs in Bougival, near Paris.

Inter-Regional Sports Event hosted by the Bank of France Sports Federation: the perfect combination of conviviality and competition

Bank of France employees from all regions across the country gathered to compete in various sports, including 3×3 basketball, archery, pétanque, table tennis, 5-a-side football, swimming relay, and paddleboarding.

Saturday afternoon featured a challenging obstacle course, where teams raced to complete a series of obstacles together as quickly as possible. Throughout the weekend, each team earned points based on their victories, with a coveted trophy awarded to the top-scoring team at the end of the event.

Discover the event and FABSF’s actions on video

Discover the event highlights on video, along with insights from Didier Besseyre, President of FASBF and French Federation for Company Sport (FFSE), and Virginie Fajon-Ouedraogo, General Secretary of ASBF, on their commitment to the “Work, Move, Perform” (WMP) project. Also listen to managers and employees explain how physical activity in the workplace benefits them on a daily basis.

Didier Besseyre emphasized their commitment to collaborating with French and international partners on studies that showcase the benefits of physical activity in the workplace. These studies highlight not only public health benefits for all employees but also the positive impact on company performance. The goal is to substantiate the “win-win” value of sports for both employees and the company.

The Bank of France’s sports club is one of the oldest corporate clubs in France. By joining the WMP project, the Bank of France highlights its unique experience in corporate sports. With 2024 marking a special milestone—hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris—this project is a springboard to engage companies leaders in promoting workplace wellness through sports.

Virginie Fajon-Ouedraogo, General Secretary of ASBF, connected the WMP project’s goals with qualitative and quantitative studies on the impact of physical activity programs on employee well-being and productivity.

“The fact that several people in a team can share the same sport and the same passion creates connections between them and fosters group dynamics and team cohesion. A manager appreciates this positive mindset in the rest of the team“, Etienne Gruner, team manager.

Background information – WMP project

The WMP project is a 24-month project co-funded by the European Commission through the Erasmus+ Sport 2023 programme and coordinated by the French Federation for Company Sport (FFSE). It aims to promote active and healthy lifestyles in Europe by developing the practice of Physical and Sports Activities (PSA) in the workplace. The WMP project is the first EU study on the effects of PSA for employees’ performance and well-being. The FFSE is implementing the project with 8 partner organisations : the University of Copenhagen (Denmark), the University of Murcia (Spain), the European Federation for Company Sport (France), the Association for Sport in the Free Time (Bulgaria), the French National Olympic Committee (France), the Sports Association of Bank of France (France), the Authority For Integrity In Maltese Sport (Malta) and the European Network for Innovation and Knowledge (Netherlands).

The French Federation for Company Sport (FFSE) is organising a conference as part of the Erasmus + ‘Work, Move and Perf’ (WMP) project at the headquarters of the French National Olympic Committee (1 Av. Pierre de Coubertin, 75013 Paris) on the morning of Tuesday 26 November 2024.

The conference will focus on ‘the effects of physical activity at work on the human, economic and organisational performance of companies’.

PROGRAMME (provisional): the effects of physical activity at work on the human, economic and organisational performance of companies

Remark: Live translation will be available. The conference will be recorded.

8.30-9.00: registration & welcome coffee

9.00-9.30: Conference opening speech

9.20-9.30: Introduction of the WMP project and topic at European level – Charlotte Frueh-Richardot, WMP project coordinator

9.30-9.45: Work, Move & Perf studies – First results

Research and needs analysis – Salvador Angosto Sanchez – University of Copenhagen and Murcia

Q&A (5min)

9.45-10.45: ROUNDTABLE – Physical activity in the workplace: Using the legacy of the Olympic and Paralympic Games to boost productivity and business performance, moderated by Victor Bertin from, Economic transformation manager – NOC of France

10.45-10.50: Q&A

10.50-11.10: Coffee Break

11.10-11.40: PITCHES- Best practices examples & testimonies

11.40-11.45: Q&A

11.40-11.50:
Mouvement des entreprises de France (MEDEF) – Steven Naraynen, Sport, Culture & Entrepreneurship Officer

11.50-12.00: Conclusion:  Towards a “Company Sport Supporters Network”

TO REGISTER, CLICK HERE (for free).

Background information – WMP project

The WMP project, coordinated by the French Federation for Company Sport (FFSE), is co-funded by the European Commission as part of the Erasmus+ Sport programme.

It responds to a need expressed by companies to be able to establish a link between the practice of physical activity and its effect on the performance of their employees and their organisation in general. This is the first European-level scientific study on this subject. The data collected will be made available free of charge in the form of a toolbox on an online platform by the end of 2025. This should give impetus to and formalise a ‘European network of corporate sport supporters’ and, ultimately, a ‘European corporate sport observatory’.

The FFSE is implementing the project with 8 partner organisations : the University of Copenhagen (Denmark), the University of Murcia (Spain), the European Federation for Company Sport (France), the Association for Sport in the Free Time (Bulgaria), the French National Olympic Committee (France), the Sports Association of Bank of France (France), the Authority For Integrity In Maltese Sport (Malta) and the European Network for Innovation and Knowledge (Netherlands).

On 13 June 2024, online focus groups were conducted by University of Murcia researchers, Salva ANGOSTO and Guillermo FELIPE LOPEZ SANCHEZ.

The aim was to carry out a preliminary needs analysis on the integration of physical activity in the workplace.  The aim was to sound out the views of both managers/decision-makers and employees. The discussion took place simultaneously in two separate online rooms, one for each profile.

The topics covered were: opinions on sport in the workplace (interest, practice, availability, accessibility, expected effects, etc.), well-being at work (absenteeism, sense of belonging, sociability, workload, etc.) and the link with performance (productivity indicator).

What emerged overall from the findings of the manager profiles group is that most companies are looking to facilitate the integration of physical activity into their employees’ work routines.
Financial resources can vary, as can the associated strategies: flexible working hours, extending the opening of facilities for longer hours, challenges or gamification, shower areas, support for participation in national or international events, human support such as coaches, psychologists or other specialists.
Finally, the main obstacles or challenges indicated by managers are motivating and attracting employees to take part in physical activities or events promoted by the company.
Although managers are convinced of the positive role of physical activity, none of them has yet evaluated the gains in terms of productivity.

What emerged overall from the findings of the employee profiles group is that those who already engage in physical activity as part of their job experience positive effects on their well-being and a reduction in stress and productivity at work. People in sedentary jobs in particular are particularly stafisfied. According to them, the main limitations or restrictions to implementing new initiatives are: having a very small office, lack of will from the manager who doesn’t see the point, or lack of budget.  Finally, the main challenge is to make people aware of the opportunities that physical activity can bring to their lives and work.

In conclusion, by cross-referencing these feedbacks, the need to establish a concrete link between activity programmes at work and productivity is confirmed.

On the one hand, non-initiated employees need to be made aware of what they have to gain in their daily lives and in their organisation.

On the other, we need to make decision-makers aware of the concrete contribution in terms of management and the return on investment for team and company performance.

1 July 2024

Sun, Sand, and Soccer: Community Beach Tournament Lit Up Pretty Bay

On Friday 28 June 2024, the picturesque Pretty Bay in Birzebbugia, Malta, transformed into a vibrant arena of community spirit and friendly competition as it hosted an exciting Beach Soccer Tournament. The event, organized jointly by the Malta Football Association (MFA) and the Authority for Integrity in Maltese Sports (AIMS), proved to be a highlight of the summer calendar, bringing together individuals from various organizations to represent their localities.

Teams and Venue

The tournament featured two enthusiastic teams:

  1. Floriana – Team 1
  2. Zabbar SP – Team 2
  3. Zabbar SP – Team 3
  4. Pembroke – Team 4
  5. Qrendi – Team 5

These teams, composed of individuals who work in different companies, showcased their skills and team spirit on the sandy shores of Pretty Bay, with the Birzebbugia stadium providing a stunning backdrop to the action.

More Than Just a Game

This event was a key part of the Work, Move, Performance (WMP) Project, an initiative designed to promote active lifestyles, community engagement, and workplace well-being through sports. The Beach Soccer Tournament exemplified the project’s goals by bringing together employees from various sectors, fostering team building, and encouraging physical activity in a fun, relaxed setting.

Integrity in Sports

The involvement of the Authority for Integrity in Maltese Sports (AIMS) in organizing this event underscores the commitment to maintaining high ethical standards in sports, even at the community level. AIMS’ participation ensures that the spirit of fair play and integrity is woven into the fabric of the tournament, setting a positive example for all participants and spectators.

Community Impact and the WMP project

The event drew a significant crowd, boosting local community spirit and showcasing Birzebbugia’s beautiful coastline. It provided a unique opportunity for participants to step out of their usual work roles and engage in friendly competition, while also allowing spectators to enjoy an exciting day out.

The Work, Move, Performance (WMP) Project aims to integrate physical activity into the daily lives of working individuals, promoting better health, increased productivity, and stronger community bonds. This Beach Soccer Tournament is just one example of how the project brings these goals to life, encouraging people to stay active and engaged outside of their regular work environment.

Looking Ahead

As the WMP Project continues to grow, events like the Beach Soccer Tournament pave the way for more innovative community initiatives across Malta. The success of this tournament, organized with the support of respected bodies like the MFA and AIMS, has set a high bar for future events, combining the joy of sports with the natural beauty of Malta’s coastline and the spirit of community engagement.

The Beach Soccer Tournament at Pretty Bay will be remembered as a day of sun, sand, and spirited competition, leaving participants and spectators alike eagerly anticipating next year’s event.

Background information – WMP project

The WMP project is a 24-month project co-funded by the European Commission through the Erasmus+ Sport 2023 programme and coordinated by the French Federation for Company Sport (FFSE). It aims to promote active and healthy lifestyles in Europe by developing the practice of Physical and Sports Activities (PSA) in the workplace. The WMP project is the first EU study on the effects of PSA for employees’ performance and well-being. The FFSE is implementing the project with 8 partner organisations : the University of Copenhagen (Denmark), the University of Murcia (Spain), the European Federation for Company Sport (France), the Association for Sport in the Free Time (Bulgaria), the French National Olympic Committee (France), the Sports Association of Bank of France (France), the Authority For Integrity In Maltese Sport (Malta) and the European Network for Innovation and Knowledge (Netherlands).

15 June 2024

As part of “Work, Move & Perf” (WMP) project, the three key associations driving the project—the Association for Sport in the Free Time (ASFT), the Authority for Integrity in Maltese Sport (AIMS), and the Federation of Sports Associations of the Bank of France (FASBF)— organised festive company sports event during the summer of 2024.

Enjoy the Bulgarian Coastline With Colleagues

Held from June 7th to June 9th, the event took place in the stunning seaside resort of Albena, located on Bulgaria’s picturesque Black Sea coast. Known for its excellent facilities and beautiful surroundings, Albena provided the perfect setting for an active and engaging sports gathering. Participants enjoyed access to top-notch sports facilities, ideal for fostering friendly competition and camaraderie among attendees.

Cohesion-building Activities for all Levels

Over 260 employees from various organizations competed in a variety of sports, including:

match
volleyball

Concluding with a Festive Finale

As a celebration of the fair play and fun, the event concluded with a big party. This finale was in line with the “Work, Move and Perf” project’s core principle that sport should be an enjoyable and social activity, encouraging participants to stay active while creating lasting memories and connections.

An example of best practices in company sports events

Organising a company multisport sports event, is an excellent practice for bringing teams together in a setting that goes beyond daily work tasks. By engaging in shared athletic goals, participants have the opportunity to strengthen personal connections, enjoy a relaxed and friendly environment, and get to know each other outside of the usual work context. This type of event not only fosters team spirit but also enhances cohesion and motivation—valuable assets for building a more positive and collaborative workplace atmosphere.

Background information – WMP project

The WMP project is a 24-month project co-funded by the European Commission through the Erasmus+ Sport 2023 programme and coordinated by the French Federation for Company Sport (FFSE). It aims to promote active and healthy lifestyles in Europe by developing the practice of Physical and Sports Activities (PSA) in the workplace. The WMP project is the first EU study on the effects of PSA for employees’ performance and well-being. The FFSE is implementing the project with 8 partner organisations : the University of Copenhagen (Denmark), the University of Murcia (Spain), the European Federation for Company Sport (France), the Association for Sport in the Free Time (Bulgaria), the French National Olympic Committee (France), the Sports Association of Bank of France (France), the Authority For Integrity In Maltese Sport (Malta) and the European Network for Innovation and Knowledge (Netherlands).

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Do you have a question about the project? About opportunities for physical activity in your workplace? About good practice, or even if you would like to share your experience or give a testimonial? We would be delighted to answer your questions and tell you more about the European project and more!

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