News

March 19, 2010

Businesses need clear World Cup viewing policy

Employers should communicate their "World Cup policy" to staff now to prevent disruption this summer, consultancy firm Right Hand HR has urged.

Employers should communicate their "World Cup policy" to staff now to prevent disruption this summer, consultancy firm Right Hand HR has urged.

Right Hand HR managing director, Lindsay Grieve, said that potential problems from this year's football World Cup finals could include unauthorised staff absences and lost productivity.

However, she said that employers could turn the event to their advantage. "The typical concerns are that employees will call in sick – to watch a match or because they are recovering from the night before – and that discussing games and checking scores will distract them from their work," said Grieve.

"However, the World Cup gives you a chance to show employees that you value them," she added. "A creative approach and willingness to compromise can pay dividends in terms of staff loyalty and enthusiasm."

The HR firm said that businesses should consider allowing staff to tune into important matches on a radio or TV screen at work or relaxing rules about the number of employees allowed to take holiday at the same time.

Businesses are legally required to have a TV licence for any equipment on which live programmes are watched or recorded, including computers and mobile phones as well as TV sets, digital boxes, and DVD or video recorders.

However, computer users only need a licence if the viewer watches programmes at the same time they are being broadcast on television.

The World Cup starts on 11 June, with England's Group C matches taking place on 12 June at 19.30 against the USA, 18 June at 19.30 against Algeria and 23 June at 15.00 against Slovenia.

"The England fixtures in the group stage shouldn't cause too many problems," said Grieve. "However, having the right procedures in place will equip you for the entire tournament. Remember, with the UK's multi-racial workforce, employees may be following other nations and should be allowed the same flexibility."

Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development policy adviser, Ben Wilmott, said that employers should balance the needs of their business with a flexible working policy.

"Small business owners should offer flexibility where possible – for example, by letting people start earlier so they can finish earlier and catch games or letting people swap shifts according to the team they support," he said. "If employers are flexible with employees, the employees are more likely to stay loyal to the business and will go the extra mile when the business needs it."

Wilmott said that employers should remind employees of their sickness and absence policies in advance. "Employers should make sure employees know that the World Cup is not an excuse to come in hungover and not be capable of performing well," he said. "They should encourage them to enjoy the World Cup, but state that if employees are going to drink a large amount while they watch games, they book half a day's holiday so when they come back they are 100 per cent productive."

• Do you think employees should be allowed time off for World Cup matches? Join the debate on the Law Donut blog'It's kicking off for employers...'
• To see the schedule for the World Cup matches, visit the Fifa website