26 November 2024
On November 26, 2024, the French Federation for Company Sport (FFSE) and the French National Olympic and Sports Committee (CNOSF) organized a European conference in Paris as part of the Work, Move & Perf (WMP) project. In addition, the event brought together around 50 participants, including sports professionals, business leaders, practitioners, and representatives from European organizations. The primary goal was to collectively explore the links between workplace physical activity, productivity, and organizational performance.
Opening Remarks: The Stakes of Workplace Physical Activity
Presenting the “Work, Move & Perf” Project First Results
Charlotte Frueh-Richardot, the Project Coordinator, presented the WMP project’s objectives:
- Studying the links between physical activity and productivity at the European scale,
- Evaluating the profitability of workplace sports programs,
- Providing actionable data for public and private decision-makers.
Salvador Angosto Sanchez (PhD), shared scientific insights from quantitative and qualitative studies conducted by the universities of Murcia and Copenhagen, revealing emerging trends.
A European online survey was also launched to gather data on well-being, job satisfaction, and physical activity habits.
Qualitative study conclusions
- Workplace PA studies linked to productivity have received some attention from researchers.
- There is a lack of agreement among researchers on PA intervention programs, as well as on the evaluation of physical activity itself.
- The evaluation of productivity WP has not shown the use of a common tool either.
- The results found in the different studies show large discrepancies on the effectiveness of PA in improving employee productivity.
- The results of studies conducted in Europe and Oceania show a greater number of studies with positive and significant of PA in employee productivity.
- Multiple studies have reported that PA interventions begin to be effective at 12 months.
Quantitative study conlusions
- Productivity a complex, yet often ill-defined concept.
- PA in the workplace can have many positive effects (although not always and in the same ways).
- These positive effects are likely to lead to increased productivity – but this is often an assumption, rather than a proven link.
Panel Discussion: The Olympics as a Catalyst for Company Transformation
A panel of four experts from the sports and business sectors discussed the legacy of the Paris 2024 as a driver for integrating sports into company strategies.
Thierry Millet, Head of the “GOJO-P 92” business club at the Hauts-de-Seine Chamber of Commerce, introduced a project inspired by the legacy of the Paris 2024 Olympics. This network, connecting over 850 business leaders in the region, is built on sports values. It offers diverse activities open to all, such as basketball tournaments, 24-hour charity challenges, and relaxation workshops. Moreover, these events promote networking and collaboration, positioning sports as a powerful tool for regional and collective engagement.
Marie-Cécile Tardieu, Deputy CEO of Business France, emphasized the strategic role of sports in boosting France’s international competitiveness. Initially leveraged for major sporting events, sports
are now embedded in the agency’s internal strategies. She stressed the importance of inclusive and accessible initiatives tied to key social issues like disability, diversity, and environmental sustainability. Furthermore, she highlighted the need to address workforce challenges, particularly work-life balance. The proposition is to create opportunities for employees to engage in family-friendly physical activities.
Isabelle Jouin is the General Delegate of Planet’RSE and President of the French Hockey Federation. Morevoer, she highlighted the synergy between sports, CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility), and non-financial reporting. She explained how sports strengthen organizational identity and support local sports clubs. However, she noted a significant challenge: small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face difficulties accessing sports infrastructure and pooling the necessary resources.
Fabien Gilot, Olympic medalist and representative of the Movement of French Enterprises (MEDEF), outlined sports-driven initiatives developed since Paris’s bid for the 2024 Olympics. Through its Sports Committee, MEDEF has created tools to help businesses integrate sports into their strategies. One standout example is the inter-company challenge “Faites vos jeux en entreprise” (Game On at Work), launched in 2023 in partnership with the French Ministry of Sports, SPART, and the French Federation for Company Sport.
Success Stories: Company Initiatives Driving Change
The successful implementation of workplace sports projects often involves various stakeholders. The overview is including management, HR, CSR departments, employee associations, or works councils.
Three company associations shared their experiences during the conference:
- Airbus Staff Association, represented by Christian Morin, Executive Vice President.
- BPCE Sports Group, represented by Philippe Dubois, President, and Valérie Perrière, National Secretary.
- Sports Association of the Bank of France, represented by Virginie Fajon Ouadraogo, who highlighted a recent intersite sports event.
Nathalie Cara, Workplace Environment Manager at Manutan, shared her company’s strategy of embedding sports initiatives into HR policies, demonstrating their impact on workplace culture, talent retention, and team engagement.
Despite the observed benefits, companies stressed the need for better evaluation of their initiatives’ impact, which is often hindered by a lack of resources, time, or interdepartmental coordination.
Economic Impact Calculator for Company Sports
In conclusion, Steven Naraynen of MEDEF introduced an Excel-based ROI calculator for sport policies at workplaces. This tool (in French) allows companies to measure the economic and human benefits of physical activity programs on their teams.
Physical Activity at Work: A Win-Win Strategy
The conference showcased the tangible benefits of physical activity in workplace productivity and well-being. It also paved the way for broader recognition and support of such initiatives among public and private decision-makers.
Take the Survey: Physical Activity at Work as a Performance Driver
Take the Survey: Physical Activity at Work as a Performance Driver
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Conference replay
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).
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:
- Floriana – Team 1
- Zabbar SP – Team 2
- Zabbar SP – Team 3
- Pembroke – Team 4
- 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:
- Mini Football
- Volleyball
- Light Athletics – Relay Race
- Table Tennis
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).