ABSENTEEISM PRODUCTIVITY
Singapore - Late night World Cup games in June and July could result in increased absenteeism and a drop in productivity but a little planning by HR could help minimise disruption at the workplace.
With the time difference with Singapore, some games shown live across South Africa will be broadcast early in the morning at 2.30am. Companies should expect some employees to watch the games live and suffer from fatigue, or worse, call in sick the next day, instead of "pretending it's business as usual". Lynne Ng, regional director for Adecco South East, says a balanced approach is required if companies want to be "World Cup-friendly" with employees and yet ensuring attendance stays on track.
"It's about setting clear expectations and communicating as to what is and what is not appropriate in the workplace during the tournament," Ng says. "These steps include flexible working hours, shift swaps, unpaid leave and a little understanding."
Here are some ways, Adecco says, HR can use to manage employee productivity when the tournament begins.
1. Talk to your employees to understand their level of interest in watching late night games and their views about balancing the late nights and still performing well at work next day.
2. Evaluate workloads and special projects that need to be completed during the World Cup period. Who are needed to complete either regular workloads or projects on tight delivery schedules? It's essential that companies factor in a higher than normal number of workers who may be on leave or absent from work, says Ng.
3. Ensure that department heads and supervisors are communicating with one another and are cross-checking employees' holiday requests during this period so work schedules would not be affected.
4. Many organisations are setting policies about watching game replays on the internet or surfing World Cup-related websites. It's important that all employees understand the policies in place and the rationale behind these decisions, as well as, the ramifications for abuse of the policies.
5. Bring your employees together for social gatherings during the 7.30pm and 10.00pm World Cup games. This can be either at the workplace or an outside environment. In either situation, alcohol consumption should be controlled.
6. Remember, not everyone is interested in this sporting event so do ensure all employees are treated fairly and equally during the tournament.
7. Have some fun with the world's biggest sporting event. Organise World Cup themed events, sweepstakes and inter-department challenges.
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