Interview with an HR Manager on Running an Internal Prediction Game
By Dirk Menkveld on Tuesday, August 5, 2025
Introduction: Harnessing the Power of Prediction Games
How can you make work more enjoyable and engaging? We interviewed an HR manager about managing an internal prediction game, often referred to as ‘fantasy football’. However, this isn’t your typical fantasy sport. The game centres around predicting the outcomes of games, rather than selecting players. This twist enables fun competitions within the company, boosting morale and team spirit.
Understanding the Concept
Prediction games allow employees to forecast game results and compete against each other. Unlike traditional fantasy football, where participants create teams from real players, this variant focuses on who can best predict the actual match outcomes. This injects a fresh competitive element into the workplace, making it accessible and fair to everyone—even those not well-versed in sports.
Insights from an HR Manager
We spoke to Jane Smith, an HR manager at a medium-sized tech company, who successfully runs these prediction games. Jane shared her strategy and experiences, highlighting how her company has benefited from this initiative.
Boosting Engagement
Jane explained that employees love the thrill of competition. “The excitement builds as the matches happen. People begin their Monday mornings discussing results from the weekend,” she noted. This shared experience strengthens camaraderie and encourages lively banter among colleagues.
Easy to Implement
Setting up the internal prediction game was straightforward, Jane said. Here’s the basic process they followed:
- Register Interest: They first gauged interest among employees. A quick survey helped ensure enough participants.
- Set Up a Platform: For ease of management, they used an online platform where employees could submit predictions.
- Regular Updates and Leaderboards: Jane emphasised the importance of maintaining interest with weekly updates and leaderboards.
A Company-Wide Success
The initiative has proven to be a fun and simple way to enhance workplace culture. “It’s affordable, inclusive, and brings people from different departments together,” said Jane. The game has made sports events more personal to employees, who might not have been avid followers otherwise.
Planning Your Company’s Prediction Game
Thinking of starting a prediction game at your company? Here are some tips:
- Communication is Key: Make sure everyone knows how to participate. Use team meetings, emails, or posters around the office.
- Prizes Add to the Fun: Consider small rewards for weekly winners or a grand prize at the end of the season to boost participation.
Final Thoughts
Prediction games like fantasy football provide a new avenue for engaging employees. They are easy to set up and foster a sense of unity. For more on workplace games and engagement, check out this resource for additional ideas.
By creating a vibrant work environment, businesses not only boost satisfaction but also increase productivity. An internal prediction game could be the perfect game-changer for your company culture.