The Business Exchange Bath & Somerset Issue 8: Summer 2018 | Page 10

BUSINESS ADVICE
by Jo Kangurs, KeystoneHR
World Cup 2018 – As an employer
are you ahead of the game?
Love it or loathe it, football season is here with the World Cup about to
kick off. With so many fans keen to support their teams, it is important for
employers to plan ahead to minimise disruption and use the event as an
opportunity to improve engagement and morale.
Here are my 5 goals for employers:
1) Be clear about your approach
It is likely that you will receive an increase
in requests for time off during this period,
and you may not be able to accommodate
everyone. Clearly communicate how
employees need to request holiday e.g. is it
a case of “first come, first served”? Will you
provide any special facilities for viewing the
matches during working time? Will there be
any additional flexible working arrangements
offered?
You may choose to provide a more flexible
working arrangements for matches that
take place during working hours. A popular
option may involve flexible start and finish
times or longer lunch breaks for the games
starting at 13:00. Whatever you approach, be
clear and consistent.
2) Consider screening matches
in the workplace
Some employers may take the opportunity
to boost morale and reduce the risk of
employees calling in sick by screening
key games in the workplace, or allowing
employees to listen or watch games on other
devices. Just be mindful that not everyone
loves football!
3) Be aware of potential discrimination
Employers need to consider the potential
discrimination issues that may arise and
ensure that special arrangements offered to
England supporters must also be offered to
fans from other countries. Employees should
be reminded about the expected standards
of behaviours and that any harassment linked
to the event e.g. hostile or racist remarks
about a particular team/country will not be
tolerated.
4) Tackle disciplinary issues swiftly
During a major sporting event such as the
World Cup there may be situations where an
employee takes unauthorized absence, turns
up to work hungover or makes inappropriate
comments regarding another team. Whilst
this is rare, it is important that employers
are prepared to take action if required, so
make sure your disciplinary policy is up to
date and everyone is aware of the potential
consequences if they cross the line.
well as improving engagement, morale and
motivation. Far from being an unwelcome
distraction, it is an opportunity to thank
employees for their commitment and hard
work.
If you would like to discuss HR in your
business please get in touch for a free,
no obligation chat.
For more info:
www.keystonehr.co.uk
@keystone_hr
5) Use the World Cup as an opportunity
to boost engagement
Giving employees the chance to watch and
(hopefully) celebrate a sporting event is a
great way of bringing people together as
Golf
Welcome to Cumberwell Park. Wiltshire’s only 45 hole golf course.
Within this elegant, tranquil setting you will find a venue that
provides the ideal location for an enjoyable golfing experience.
Conferences & Meetings
Incorporating the character and charm of a traditional Wiltshire
barn, all Suites benefit from natural light and feature windows,
offering spectacular views of the golf course and surrounding
countryside, you will enjoy superb service within this warm and
friendly environment
Weddings
At Cumberwell Park our commitment is to make your wedding
day a very successful and enjoyable occasion. We aim to make
the task of organising a wedding as easy as possible for you. We
understand your wedding day is important to you and we want to
ensure that you have a fabulous day
Dining & Events
Cumberwell Park, Bradford - On - Avon, Wiltshire, BA15 2PQ
W: www.cumberwellpark.com T: 01225 863322
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THE BUSINESS EXCHANGE 2018
Here at Cumberwell we can cater for all of your dining
requirements for small intimate family gatherings or large
private parties. We can tailor make your event to suit your needs.