You only have to look at the number of cars flying the flags to see that interest in the World Cup is high. As an employer you may be wondering if there is going to be an increase in ‘sickness’ or unauthorised absence among employees on days when matches are held. There are a number of steps that you can take to minimise possible disruption and to benefit from the good will that the tournament can generate.
One starting point is to consider if you can integrate the matches into working practices. This could be by allowing employees to listen to or watch games during their breaks. You could also have temporary flexible working so that employees could start or leave earlier to watch a match or make up time on a subsequent day. Some employees will have booked holiday to coincide with the games but taking unpaid leave is another option that could be offered.
If none of these are possible you should remind staff at an early stage that they will be expected to attend despite the football and that absences that coincide with games will be monitored and could lead to disciplinary action. Staff should also be reminded that they should not come into work hung over from celebrating a result or drowning their sorrows.
Finally, remember that not everyone will be supporting England and employees who support other national teams should not be discriminated against either through altered working practices or by other employees.
For more employment advice, contact Sarah Everton on 01562 512470 or email: severton@thursfields.co.uk