World Cup – How to avoid a red card – tips for employees
Even if your team is not playing, the World Cup is still the biggest sporting event in the world after the Olympics and so no doubt you may want to watch one or more of the 60 or so games. Here is our advice for employees on how to survive the World Cup at work and avoid being red-carded with a disciplinary warning or worse:
- Remember there is no legal right to time off to watch the World Cup!
- Whilst many of the games will be shown during mid-evening in the UK, some start earlier (5.00pm) and some later (11.00pm). Please remember that if you do not attend work without authorisation or good reason, justifiable disciplinary action can be taken against you.
- If you want to take annual leave or negotiate unpaid leave to watch a game, seek permission as early as possible.
- If you cannot get time off, see if your employer will let you watch a game or listen to the radio at work. However, you still need to comply with your employer’s internet or social media policy.
- If in doubt, ask permission from your Manager and always try to get a reply in writing (an email will be fine) in order to avoid any future misunderstandings.
- Do not discriminate – with a diverse workforce it may be that your team is playing against a team supported by a colleague. Whilst some gentle rivalry and humour is all part of the fun do not cross the line into intimidating, humiliating or offensive behaviour (which may amount to harassment).
- If your employer has thought ahead and circulated a sporting events policy or similar for the World Cup, comply with it.
- If you over-celebrate and arrive for work in an unfit hung-over state, remember you can pose a serious risk to workplace safety (especially when your job involves operating machinery or driving) and justifiable disciplinary action can be taken.
If you pay attention to the above guidance you can enjoy the World Cup without worry. Good luck!
