After England’s dramatic last minute win over the Netherlands, the Euros final against Spain beckons.
However, as the game falls on a Sunday (14 July, 8pm BST), employers have been warned to be prepared for the aftermath on Monday.
David D’Souza, director of profession at the CIPD, said: “Given the significance of this year’s Euros final, we’re expecting some sore heads on Monday which stand to have a knock-on effect on work.
“Businesses should be clear on their expectations of staff, but also recognise it’s unlikely to be, depending on the result, ‘business as usual’ on Sunday and into Monday for many people.”
Give something back
He said that people who are expecting “to go all out in their celebrations” should plan to book time off where they can.
“Employers can also look at how they can be a bit more flexible. This could mean a change to working hours or a later start on Monday if people need it. There are times when we all go above and beyond the call of duty for work and in turn, employers can give something back by being flexible for big moments like this. It’s not a right, but it is a reasonable consideration.”
D’Souza said it was possible businesses might see a spike in absence on Monday. He advised that people should book the day off to avoid any abuses of sickness policy.
Sick leave abuses
“If businesses do suspect abuse of the system, we would suggest that they reiterate the policy and what consequences may be if it is repeatedly tested.
“The knock-on effects of this kind of event highlight that flexibility isn’t always open to all. Some of those currently working from home may easily benefit from a lie-in, or a change in working hours on Monday, whereas those that work on-site or in a customer-facing environment will have far fewer options. That’s why it’s important that businesses explore all kinds of flexibility for staff, looking at when and how they work, not just where.”
Recovery time
Nebel Crowhurst, chief appreciation officer at Reward Gateway Edenred, suggested giving staff members a later start on Monday to recover from the momentous occasion and to show people how much they are truly appreciated.
She said: “Businesses talk endlessly about employee engagement – now is the time to actually do something now that the three lions are in the men’s Euros final this Sunday.
“It’s more than likely there will be a few hangovers come Monday morning and a 9am start with a sore head doesn’t often lead to someone’s best work. A 10am start instead will not only ease headaches for the 30 million Brits expected to watch the final, but also show employees how much they are truly appreciated. Anything less deserves a red card.”
