Bosses Beware World Cup Fever

With the World Cup just over a week away, the Forum of Private Business is advising its members to plan ahead for the likelihood that some employees will take more of an interest in their team's fortunes than their duties.

However, the tournament in South Africa has made life somewhat easier for some employers operating 'nine to five', Monday to Friday hours because kick-off times for England's group matches are at weekends or in the evening during the week.

But, the Forum's advice includes saying employees who choose to be absent on a match day without taking a holiday leave themselves open to some form of disciplinary warning for unauthorised absence.

However, instead, the Forum suggest an employer could install a television or projector screen at work so that employees can watch the game and use the occasion as a team-building event - then no one will have to take days off.

Alternatively, they can listen to it on the radio. However, employers should be aware with either of these options that the correct TV licence or licence from the Performing Rights Society will be required.

Another option is to let employees leave early to watch the game, but require them to make up the lost working hours during the week.

Another simple solution is to invite staff to book annual leave if they wish to watch a match.

A boss can also make watching the games a perk with, the two hours off work that the match will typically take to watch used as an incentive based upon individual or group performance.

"Sporting events like the World Cup can present major headaches for small firms whose employees are understandably excited and want to watch games during work hours," said the Forum's Head of Policy Matt Goodman.

"Work is work and it is important to know when to draw the line on issues such as unauthorised absenteeism and declining productivity, but the sensible approach for both employers and their staff is to be flexible," he said.

"Watching games together in work can help team members to bond, as long as the lost hours are made up later, and firms could consider granting staff time off if cover is available."

To help its members with their personnel issues, the Forum provides a 24-hour legal helpline, legal expenses insurance and comprehensive business insurance packages.

In addition, small businesses can benefit from the Forum's annually-updated employment guide containing practical step-by-step guidance and templates covering every area of employment.

(BMcC/GK)