Last weekend saw the Welsh rugby team play their first match in the build up to the Rugby World Cup. Although it wasn't the start we were looking for, the game marks the beginning of a two month period when rugby fans will be in their element enjoying the games.
The fixtures for the tournament will enable the majority of fans with 9-5 Monday to Friday jobs to watch them without having to take time off work, but there are some matches, including our own against Fiji on Thursday October 1st, that kick off during office hours.
Taking time off for the rugby
Although we are a passionate rugby nation and some employers may decide to allow their employees to watch the match in the office or leave early, this is entirely at their discretion.
Employees who wish to watch the match away from work should therefore book time off, and employers should be wary of these key dates as they may become inundated with holiday requests. As ever, before granting holiday leave, it’s vital that employers ensure the needs of the business are being met.
When dealing with employee requests to take time off. I would recommend that employers refer to the employee handbook and maintain consistency with their responses. Employers may want to implement a "first come first served" basis, or even could introduce a random selection process to select those to be granted time off.
As most games during the Rugby World Cup can be streamed via social media, it is advisable to review a number of policies within your handbook, including your Social Media Policy, IT policy and your BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) Policy. These policies should cover issues surrounding those who bring their own devices to work with them to watch the big games, and key points should be publicised in plenty of time for match days to avoid confusion.
Use RWC2015 to boost staff morale!
On a positive note, it's also good to remember that national sporting events can raise staff morale with some employers putting on social events or introducing a sweepstake.
If you would like to discuss the above in more detail, please contact us on 02920 404020 or email info@howellslegal.com.
(Image: Steve Watkins under CC BY 2.0)
