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UEFA Euro 2024: An HR Survival Guide for Employers
The UEFA Euro 2024 competition in Germany kicks off on Friday 14 June 2024 and runs until Sunday 14 July 2024, featuring 24 nations competing in 51 matches. While this event is thrilling for football fans, it presents potential challenges for employers.
Challenges for Employers
Group match kick-off times are scheduled for 2pm, 5pm, and 8pm, which could lead to employees calling in sick or failing to show up to watch the games, posing significant problems for employers.
To help employers navigate these challenges, we have outlined key points to consider for managing this period effectively and creating a positive outcome for both employers and employees.
Potential Issues Employers Might Face
- Unauthorised absences
- Staff being under the influence of alcohol at work
- Inappropriate conduct by employees, including discrimination, racism, bullying, or harassment
- Increased holiday requests from both football fans and non-fans
Strategies for Employers
Ensure the following policies are well-defined and communicated:
- Sickness & Absence Policy
- Code of Conduct
- Discipline & Grievance Policy
- Bullying & Harassment Policy
- Drugs & Alcohol Policy
- Equality & Diversity Policy
- Make it clear that unauthorised absences will be unpaid and may lead to disciplinary action.
- Use Return to Work Interviews to identify and address fake sickness absences or absences due to post-match hangovers.
- Relax caps on the number of employees allowed to take leave at the same time.
- Encourage employees who want to watch certain matches to take annual leave.
- Ensure all holiday requests are treated fairly and equally. For instance, granting a holiday request to a male employee but refusing one from a female employee could lead to claims of sex discrimination.
Additional Considerations for Employers
- Screen Matches at Work: Consider screening matches in a meeting room or communal area.
- Relax Internet Policies: Allow employees to stream matches on their PCs, ensuring that you have the appropriate licenses to screen or stream live TV within the workplace.
By taking these steps, employers can better manage the potential disruptions caused by the World Cup and maintain a positive and productive work environment.
Where Can You Get Help with Employment Law?
If you need employment law help with some or all of these important changes to holiday pay and expanded rights around flexible working, paid and unpaid leave and protection from redundancy during parental leave, the team at Employment Law Services (ELS) LTD can help.
Don’t hesitate to contact our specialist team if you have any questions or book a free consultation with us online to discuss your employment law and HR needs.