How to manage sports fans at work

Build camaraderie among co-workers during the Super Bowl and other sporting events

It’s time to put on your game face.

Even though you’re managing from sidelines, find out what your employees are talking about this season. Whether it’s trash-talking about the Super Bowl, filling out a March Madness bracket or making a fantasy baseball trade—you need a game plan for how to manage sports in your workplace.

Here’s one idea: If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em.

Instead of banning sports Web sites or televised games, experts suggest embracing sporting events. Not only does this build camaraderie among co-workers, it can also break up the workday routine. With lay-offs and hiring freezes, your employees are feeling anxious and looking for a release. Of course, we’re talking about harmless fun, not illegal gambling.

“There’s a danger when you don’t allow people to celebrate who they are and what they’re excited about,” says Jack Rogers, author of “Office Sportz!” “If you ban sports, you’re literally saying: ‘I only want part of you.’ So that means in return, only part of your employee actually shows up for work.”