IT’s a tough juggling act to get the right balance between keeping business ticking over and understanding that some staff will be making the football their priority.
Nicola Maine, director of Investors in People, which recognises good employee conditions in the workplace, said: “Staff resourcing is always an issue during major sporting tournaments, but some employers still seem to get taken by surprise.
Managers need to talk openly with their staff, understand their plans and strike a balance between maintaining business as usual while also recognising that some employees will be struck by World Cup fever.
“Being upfront with staff and involving them in planning ahead should be a priority. The World Cup presents a fantastic opportunity to motivate staff if approached in the right way.”
The World Cup effect
The recruiter
John Tolmie, managing director, AA Recruitment
During the World Cup, people don’t just not want to travel, they don’t want to go looking for a new job either.
While not every company can go as far as supermarket giant Asda, which offered all staff two weeks’ unpaid leave to catch the games, there are ways to improve life for football fans at work. Bosses, take note…
Everyone’s mind is elsewhere. Once the national squad starts to do well, the feelgood factor takes over and whatever it was that was making people unhappy at work suddenly doesn’t seem so bad.
If England get knocked out business picks up.
In 2002, the World Cup games were at odd times, meaning people needed to take time off and companies took temps on. But this time round, the matches are on at times when no-one needs to take time off. That’s bad for business.
The employee
Mick Thomas, call centre worker, major operator
I am normally pretty happy at work because I really like my job. But I love football even more and when the World Cup comes around I can’t concentrate because I am just so busy planning what I am going to be doing for the matches. I can’t stand the idea of being stuck at work when a really good match is on and I’ll do anything I can to make sure that doesn’t happen.
My company has compromised a bit by letting people swap shifts with those who are not bothered about the football and it’s that sort of flexibility that makes me think I will carry on working for them. I just think it’s really important to treat staff like humans beings with outside interests rather than just wage slaves.
I know it sounds bad but when the last World Cup was on I did take a few sickies because the matches were on at such awkward times. I think most blokes would admit to telling a few porkies during that World Cup. I’m just relieved I won’t have to come down with a stomach bug quite so much this time around because the matches are on at much better times.
The employer
Rad Sofronijevic, sales and operations director, First Choice Retail
We like to get the staff involved as it really helps morale and it’s fun.
Understandably, trading can be quieter when matches are on so we are allowing staff to bring radios in. We have learnt from previous years’ feedback and listened to what the staff want.
Each branch has been given some money from the marketing department to purchase England memorabilia to decorate their shop. During each England game, staff can wear football shirts (preferably England or red T-shirts) providing their regional sales manager agrees. They can also bring radios in to listen to the matches.
We are running a competition between regions based around the World Cup with extra time off as prizes, including giving two top sellers tickets to see a match in Germany. Other top sellers will be going to a VIP evening in London to watch a match.
We know that the staff like to be rewarded and appreciate being given extra time off. On this occasion we therefore decided to give additional holiday as we knew it would go down well.
How is your company dealing with the World Cup? Let us know on the Travel Weeky forums.