~ 53 ~ International Journal of Research in Human Resource Management 2024; 6(1): 53-55 E-ISSN: 2663-3361 P-ISSN: 2663-3213 IJRHRM 2024; 6(1): 53-55 www.humanresourcejournal.com Received: 18-12-2023 Accepted: 22-01-2024 Dr. Frank Odayo Ph.D., Lecturer, School of Business and Economics, Maseno University, Kenya Dr. Jairo K Mise Ph.D., Senior Lecturer, School of Business and Economics, Maseno University, Kenya Corresponding Author: Dr. Frank Odayo Ph.D., Lecturer, School of Business and Economics, Maseno University, Kenya Relationship between active team sports involvement and work motivation: A case of Kisumu masters hockey team Dr. Frank Odayo and Dr. Jairo K Mise DOI: https://doi.org/10.33545/26633213.2024.v6.i1a.170 Abstract The study was conducted among members of Kisumu Masters Hockey club in Kisumu city in Kenya. It draws its membership from Men who are above 40 Years old and Ladies who are above 35 years. This age group is essentially employees in different sectors of the working class. Its membership represents all levels of employment from the lower levels to top Management. Whereas many studies have attributed the work motivation to several other factors, participation in team sport has not been explored as a factor in work motivation. This paper seeks to establish whether employees who engage in team sports find more motivation in their work. This study sought to establish if there is a relationship between participation in team sports and employee motivation. Sports has been shown as one of the ways in which employees can improve their wellness. Several companies have embraced infusing physical fitness activities in their daily routine. To achieve this objective, the participants were requested to respond to items on a five likert scale in the questionnaire on experienced benefits of engaging in team sports in their work areas. A null hypothesis was formulated. The study concluded that there is a positive and significant correlation between participation on team sports and employee motivation. Keywords: Hockey, work, motivation, team sport, employees Introduction Kisumu Masters Hockey club is a field hockey team Based in Kisumu City in Kisumu County Kenya. It draws its membership from Men who are above 40 Years old and Ladies who are above 35 years. This age group is essentially employees in different sectors of the working class. Its membership represents all levels of employment from the lower levels to top Management. Whereas many studies have attributed the work motivation to several other factors, participation in team sport has not been explored as a factor in work motivation. This paper seeks to establish whether employees who engage in team sports find more motivation in their work. Sports provide a great range of physical, mental, emotional and social benefits to employees [1] . In the current highly competitive business environment, work related stress can hamper the achievement of the goals and objectives of the company. Sports has been shown as one of the ways in which employees can improve their wellness. Several companies have embraced infusing physical fitness activities in their daily routine. Sports involve several rules and regulations that are usually adhered to by all the participants. To participate in the sports activities involve lots of practice. Most employees already have a tight work schedule. It requires a lot of self-discipline to maintain the practice sessions for the game. Those who can adhere to the rigorous training sessions and rules of the game are more often much disciplined persons [2] . Most people in the working ages rarely find time to engage in team sports. The commitments at work and the family issues put serious time constraints on ability to play team sports. Team sports has been shown to encourage team bonding and discipline, improve judgement and management skills and boost employee engagement. However these benefits are rarely enjoyed by the employees due to the ever shrinking personal time. Most employees do not participate in team sports due to lack of time.