Small business owners across the UK could be faced with that big question over the next couple of weeks – “Can we watch the World Cup at work?” Every four years the tournament creates headaches for many organisations, with some employees unofficially absent and others sporting the occasional hangover or otherwise distracted because of the games. Whether or not people follow football at other times of the year, the patriotism surrounding the competition can see fans unexpectedly emerge from every corner of the workplace.
This year almost half of the 48 matches scheduled for the first round will take place during nine to five business hours. While only one of these involves the England team the Forum has received numerous questions from small businesses on the best ways to handle requests to watch football during work hours.
There are several approaches that small business owners can take. If you have the right licences then you could screen certain games in the office or allow employees to listen in on the radio. Staff can be given the option of flexible working or taking days off as annual leave if they prefer to watch from home. Alternatively, why not use the time to watch a match as a motivational incentive? However, you must bear in mind that not everyone will be interested in football and you must be careful not to discriminate – all employees should be offered the same concessions.
Of course, businesses can choose to do nothing. Staff members failing to turn up to work will then face the normal disciplinary processes.
Whichever approach you decide to take, members can receive business support and employment law guidance from the Forum of Private Business.
The first England game kicks off a week on Saturday (June 12th). Will your staff be watching at work?
