Why?
Its nothing to do with Brexit although thankfully we will be finally almost at the end of that campaign by then.
Because it’s the kick-off of England’s game against Wales at this year’s Euros at Lens, and history has shown that major sporting events can disrupt working patterns.
This may be a crucial match for either side or a non- event (don’t be too pessimistic) and consideration needs to be given as to how this could affect your workplace. In the past some employers have found that when major events take place they have staffing issues which can affect their business such as unauthorised absences, sickness and conflicts over who can take time off.
Past experience including the Olympics shows however that if employers don’t decide on their policy early it can cause workplace difficulties – particularly if the ‘home teams’ progress through to the later stages of the competition (fingers crossed!). Don’t forget the ‘home team’ may not be England In this competition Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic are in the finals together with teams from other EU countries
Options you may want to consider include:
- Allowing staff to take holiday on a first come first served basis, providing cover is available.
- Allowing staff to come in early so that they can finish early on specific days (or work through their lunch)
- Installing a television at work and using the matches as an opportunity for a staff ‘social’.
- Making it clear that unauthorised absences will be treated through your disciplinary policy.
Whatever you decide you need to ensure that it does not leave a section of your workforce feeling unfairly treated (not everyone will be interested in the football), and you may at this early stage want to ask for ideas from your employees.