Swindon businesses have been urged to be fair and flexible in their approach to staff wanting to watch Euro 2016 matches over the next month.
Some matches during the tournament, which kicks off in France this evening, take place in normal working hours – among them England v Wales next Thursday. As a result, many employers will be anticipating some disruption to the workplace. 
The main issues, according to the employment law team at Withy King’s Swindon offices, are likely to include requests for time off, increased – and potentially unacceptable – internet and social media usage, and employees ‘pulling sickies’ to watch games.
Euro 2016 is likely to have a wider impact in the workplace than previous tournaments given Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland as well as England are competing.
Employment team senior associate Lauren Harkin, pictured, said: “My advice to businesses is to be flexible and reach agreement with your staff in advance.
“Generally speaking, it is better to offer flexibility, and allow employees certain amounts of time off which can be made up later, rather than to risk productivity being significantly reduced while employees are at work, or worse, have them phoning in sick.”
Richard White has five tips for employers:
- Deal fairly and consistently with requests for time off and annual leave. Most businesses will have annual leave policies but increased flexibility will be helpful at this time. Employers should also ensure that they deal with all requests fairly, remembering that not everyone likes football!
- Take steps to control sickness absence, or reduce employees pulling sickies. Sickness policies should still apply, attendance monitored and any unauthorised absences dealt with appropriately in accordance with the company’s disciplinary procedure. Setting parameters at the outset and sending memos to staff about the business’ expectations are critical.
- Consider using the Euros to boost staff morale by screening key matches in the workplace and allowing employees to watch games together providing the business operational requirements allow the same.
- Avoid reducing productivity or time wasting by allowing employees to watch the match or keep up-to-date through social media and the internet.
- Control employees under the influence of alcohol at work. Many people like to have a drink or two while watching football games. Setting guidance as to whether there is a clear no alcohol policy or whether to simply avoid excessive alcohol consumption, will avoid alcohol abuse.
Richard added: “Achieving a flexible system of work and a good work life balance for employees is always key to a successful workforce with good productivity. This should not change during any major sporting tournament, such as the Euros, and local businesses are simply urged to plan ahead depending on how the national team perform in the group stages of the tournament.”
