article_snippet: But interestingly, office game-viewing parties come close.
article_snippet: office game-viewing parties present opportunities for colleagues to mingle with those from other departments and connect over shared interests.
article_snippet: Unlike team-building experiences that compel employees to engage with one another, game-viewing parties position people to connect voluntarily.
article_snippet: Ogilvy & Mather, for example, an international marketing agency based in New York, invites employees to watch tournament games on projection screens in conference rooms and the office cafeteria.
article_snippet: A number of organizations, including office furniture manufacturer Turnstone, even serve game-day snacks, such as pizza, popcorn, and chicken wings, to simulate the viewing experience of a sports bar, minus the alcohol.
article_snippet: In addition to organizing a vibrant workplace gathering, there are also opportunities for making better use of the office tournament pool.
article_snippet: Here's one idea: Instead of having employees pay an entry fee (which discourages nonfans from joining in), sponsor prizes so that everyone participates.
article_snippet: Then, go beyond recognizing individual contestants and reward the team or department with the highest average score.
article_snippet: Another approach worth considering: using the office pool as a motivational tool.