So the football World Cup is due to start in a couple of weeks, and although there will be less disruption than usual for employers due to the majority of England games being played at the weekend, we at J Mann Associates are advising employers to put a plan into place to avoid issues at this time. According to a survey of almost 2,200 adults, 13% have previously called in sick to watch a World Cup match or recover from match related drinking the night before. Consider the following options: Flexible working
Given that some matches kick off in the afternoon, consider flexible working times for employees at the end of the day. If possible, employees wishing to have time off to watch a match could start earlier in the day to allow themselves to finish earlier.
Time off
Consider putting a rota into place offering employees to share time off to watch matches, allowing more employees to be off at once than you would normally. This will only be for a short period and could avoid unauthorised absences.
Facilities
Why not put a television in a communal area to allow employees to watch part or all of a match, providing you have a valid TV licence and comply with health & safety regulations. This is a great way to boost staff morale and although may temporarily decrease productivity, staff would otherwise be pre-occupied by having to check scores and keep up with activity of the games.
Clothing
If you have a workwear policy in place, why not remove this for match days only and allow employees to wear their team shirt to make them feel a part of the World Cup action while they are at work.
Discrimination
Be careful not to discriminate against staff; for example, assuming only men will be interested in watching matches, or giving preferential treatment to England fans over other nationalities whose team are taking part.
By communicating your plans to staff as early as possible, you will be able to strike a balance between letting employees participate in World Cup fever and maintaining business as usual.
