Managing employees during the World Cup, like any major event, can be a challenge. Employees may want to watch their teams play, which can affect productivity. However, with the right strategies in place, it can be an opportunity to boost morale and foster team spirit. The benefits of embracing the tournament can include an uplift in staff engagement and a chance to build company culture, whilst maintaining productivity throughout the period it is on.
Managers and HR professionals are responsible for ensuring this is done safely and compliantly. You also need consistency and fairness so that you don’t put football fans ahead of those who aren’t.
Particularly after late games due to the time differences between Countries. In addition, there may be more requests for annual leave, working from home or remote work from various locations, or other types of leave.
Employees may spend time checking scores, watching highlights, or discussing matches during working hours. Concentration can decrease, particularly on days when key matches are being played.
Sometimes, we may see workplace conflict as strong support for different teams, which can lead to arguments, teasing, or tension between colleagues. National rivalries may occasionally create an uncomfortable work environment.
There are also some simple strategies that you can put in place to accommodate employees’ enthusiasm for the event whilst protecting the workplace from significant potential disruptions.
Creating a viewing area can encourage team bonding. Organise a viewing party for key matches and provide snacks and drinks. This can also be a good way to prevent employees from streaming at their desks/work areas and interrupting their workflow during other matches.
Engaging with the tournament could involve arranging football-themed activities, organising a friendly office sweepstake or an inter-departmental mini tournament of your own. This can increase engagement and provide a fun distraction that can enhance productivity by boosting morale.
Utilise new technology, for example, collaboration tools to ensure that work continues smoothly, especially if some team members are working flexible hours or remotely. Project Management tools can help you plan and track tasks, ensuring deadlines are met, even if employees are intermittently unavailable. Use Teams for company-wide chats and updates.
Finally, and probably most importantly, communicate effectively. Ensure that staff receive regular updates about work and tournament-related activities, and that these activities are inclusive and respectful of all employees, including those who may not be interested in football. Ensure that any changes to staff processes or policies during the tournament are clearly defined and presented, and that start and end dates for the changes are communicated regularly.
By embracing the excitement of the biggest World Cup and implementing these strategies, you can maintain a productive and happy workplace while allowing employees to enjoy the event. The key is to find a balance that supports both the business’s needs and the employees’ enthusiasm for the tournament.
While the World Cup presents an opportunity to bring colleagues together and boost engagement, normal workplace policies and standards remain in place throughout the tournament. Managers are encouraged to take a pragmatic and flexible approach wherever operationally possible, while ensuring fairness, maintaining service levels for clients and customers and supporting employee wellbeing.
To find out more or discuss managing employees during the World Cup, please get in touch with our team of experts.
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