Big-hearted employers are being encouraged to show leniency to their employees in light of England’s upcoming match against Mexico in the early hours of Monday. Following Harry Kane’s standout performance against DR Congo, fans are gearing up for a challenging 1 am kick-off time, potentially leading to late nights extending past 3 am, especially if the match goes to penalties. Despite the inconvenient timing, a projected 17.8 million fans are expected to stay awake to witness the game unfold.
According to estimates by VoucherCodes, 14.3 million viewers will be tuning in from home, while an additional 3.5 million enthusiastic fans plan to make use of extended licensing hours at pubs and other entertainment venues. This mass viewership is likely to result in a workforce of exhausted individuals the following day, with many anticipating a rough start to the week.
Numerous employees are now seeking special considerations from their employers, such as delayed start times on Monday or hastily requested time off. One PR firm, Ready10, has already agreed to a delayed start time of 10:30 am instead of the usual 9 am, showing flexibility and understanding towards their staff’s needs during the World Cup.
In a bid to accommodate fans of all ages, England manager Thomas Tuchel has suggested allowing children to stay up for the match, emphasizing the significance of major sporting events like the World Cup. However, research by electrical retailer AO.com indicates that a considerable portion of the workforce is contemplating calling in sick to catch the game.
While some professions require employees to be present regardless, experts are advising employers to demonstrate empathy and flexibility where feasible. It is recommended to consider options like later start times, hybrid working arrangements, or flexible hours to boost morale and acknowledge the importance of such events for employees.
Despite the anticipated impact on businesses, employers are urged to balance operational needs with employees’ enthusiasm for the World Cup. Setting clear expectations and boundaries, while also offering flexible solutions, can help navigate the challenges that come with major sporting events like this.