Fantasy Football in the Workplace
// Dallas, Texas, United States // Attorney Keith Clouse (Blog) // Keith Clouse
Football is a big business in Texas. But, is it bad for business? A recent news article suggests that employers lose an estimated $13 billion a year because of their employees’ participation in fantasy football leagues, although the study acknowledged the “absurdity” of trying to gauge the level of lost work output due to fantasy football activities.
Some employers actively work to keep employees from being distracted by football. They block websites that offer interactive online fantasy football competitions and remind employees to stay focused during working hours.
Other employers actively encourage their employees to participate in company-created fantasy football leagues. These employers see fantasy football as an inexpensive way to boost employee morale and to help employees in different departments and at different levels connect with each other.
If an employer wishes to create its own football league, it should consider: • Whether the football league’s structure runs afoul of state gambling laws or the employer’s own ban on workplace gambling. • Whether participation would force employees to violate the employer’s policies on use of company property and work time. • Whether an employee might feel left out if not invited to play or, conversely, bullied into playing. • Whether employees might take good-natured ribbing too far.
Whichever route an employer takes, it should remain consistent throughout the season.
This article is presented by the Dallas employment lawyers at Clouse Dunn LLP. To speak to an employment lawyer about a workplace matter, send an email to debra@clousedunn.com or call (214) 239-2705.
Contact Keith Clouse
KEITH A. CLOUSE
Clouse Dunn LLP
214.220.2722 214.220.3833 ( fax) keith@clousedunn.com
