World Cup Fever expected to result in sick day spike
09/06/2010
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Employers need to consider the impact of the World Cup on their workforce and productivity levels when the nation catches football fever later this month, according to recruitment & HR services specialists, Randstad.
Australia's third World Cup bid is likely to have an impact beyond tired faces at the office. Employees are likely to watch replays on computers in the office, have post match 'pow wows', track their tipping competitions, as well as participate in online forums - particularly as the final approaches.
There are likely to be some very 'late starts' or people 'calling in sick' during the 2½ week tournament, especially after Australia's match against Serbia at 4:30am on Thursday 24 June, and the final match which airs at 4:30am on Monday 12 July.
And in a country with such a diverse culture, it won't just be the Socceroos people are tuning in to see. England's World Cup games, for example, will be just as well-watched by Australia's significant British population.
Randstad's CEO, Deb Loveridge, said: "Some businesses, especially those which are tightly resourced and still trying to build up from the GFC, may find World Cup Fever to be irritating and a major distraction to achieving their goals. However, instead of dampening people's spirits and expressing your frustration, it's actually an ideal time to embrace the spirit of the sport, have fun and build employee morale through celebration and a culture of teamwork.
"Allowing people to express their emotions and be passionate about this global sporting event can have a positive impact on their overall happiness and mental attitude in the workplace. Themed marketing and business development activities can also be effective tools to generate sales and build stronger relationships with staff and customers."
Loveridge said the World Cup will likely affect productivity on both a local and global scale. She added that one of the key things employers should consider is to monitor pre-agreed leave days and plan effectively to ensure projects are resourced at normal levels.
"Meetings, projects and deadlines may require flexibility or rescheduling, particularly if staff working on these projects are avid football fans. Temporary staff can fill the gaps where needed. If business leaders understand that work may stand still or 'dribble' along, then they may be more inclined to get behind the spirit of the sport and join in the celebration with their people."
Australia's World Cup games which may need resource considerations the following day include:
Australia vs Germany - 4.30am, Monday June 14
(Monday 14 June is a public holiday in NSW and ACT)
Australia vs Ghana - midnight, Sunday June 20
Monday 21 June could be an allocated leave day or 'sick day' or celebratory day in the office
Australia vs Serbia - 4.30am, Thursday June 24
Friday 25 June could be an allocated leave day or 'sick day' or celebratory day in the office