With the World Cup set to kick off with this week, it’s not surprising that a recent statistic has suggested that nearly 1 in 10 employees would consider calling in sick during the tournament.
As a result, it should go without saying that such events can cause headaches for businesses, especially in the HR Department!
Here are 5 of my top tips for businesses to consider during the excitement of a World Cup:
1. Circulate the dates and times of scheduled matches and explain that any holiday requests will be approved on a ‘first come first served’ basis. Remember, employers are not obliged to accept all holiday requests, especially if there is a business need to turn it down.
2. Due to the time delay between the UK and Brazil, most games don’t kick off until late. So employers need to be mindful that this may result in some employees turning up late for work or not at all. Remind staff of their duties and what’s expected of them. This should reduce the chances of lateness and unauthorised absences – and thus minimising the risk of disciplinary action taking place.
3. Some employees may enjoy partaking in the occasional tipple during the match and businesses need to be mindful that some may still be under the influence of alcohol at work. This raises not only a serious health and safety concern, but also may severely effect productivity. Employers may want to review whether they can offer flexi time during these periods or encourage those planning to watch the game to consider taking the following day off as annual leave.
4. For big games, businesses may want to consider providing a TV at work for employees to watch, and time taken could be taken as unpaid or worked back at a later date. As most games 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 Policy, which handles issues around those who bring their own device to work with them to watch the big games.
5. Some matches can incite rivalry between workers, and if related to their own country of upbringing could give rise to grievances and discrimination claims. Remind employees that any such behaviour will not be tolerated.
Regardless of the problems they can cause, events such as the World Cup can also act as a morale boost in business. However, I don’t fancy my chances this year in the Howells Solicitors’ Office Sweepstake after getting Bosnia & Herzegovina!
Finally it’s prudent to remember that although cheering, commenting on a referee’s ability or blowing down a vuvuzela are all to be expected within social circles, such behaviour will rarely be expected at work. Unless you work in a Brazilian stadium …
Howells Solicitors specialises in all aspects of employment law. For more information about how we can help your business comply with the latest legislation, contact us today.
