England v Wales: Fans skiving work to watch Euro 2016 clash could cause most expensive day of the year for business

Some companies are embracing sporting events to stop workers calling in sick or coming in drunk

Sweden fans celebrate their first goal against the Republic of Ireland (Reuters)

Football tournaments are big business for clubs, pubs and TV networks. But businesses could be set to lose out in a big way when legions of Brits working their nine to five jobs turn their attention to big matches. Employees could be on the receiving end of some tough penalties.

“Sporting tournaments such as Euro 2016 are common periods for spikes in absence and sickness, as many employees feel calling in sick is the only way for them to be able to watch the game and support their national team,” said Alison Dodd, the managing director of Moorepay Ltd, a HR and payroll company.

Ms Dodd said that the timing of Thursday’s England vs Wales match at 2pm on a Thursday would likely have a big impact on productivity of UK businesses.

“Depending on how far either team makes it in the tournament though, some days further down the line could be even less productive, with people out of the office watching matches then calling in sick the following day after over-indulging the celebrations,” Ms Dodd said.

In the Euro league table of sporting sickies the UK ranks second only to Germany, according to a survey of 200 HR directors by international recruitment agency Robert Half.

Almost three quarters of the UK HR directors surveyed believe employees are likely to call in sick or make an excuse for skipping work the day after a major sporting event such as the Euro matches. More than a fifth consider it “very likely”.

In Germany, 79 per cent of German HR directors believe employees are likely to skip work. In France, the Euro 2016 host nation, the proportion is 63 per cent.

Companies are not legally obliged to allow employees any time off to watch matches or to attend pre-game events.

Employment lawyers advise bosses that they should take unauthorised absences very seriously. Those who take leave during this time could face extra scrutiny, including the need to present a medical note for sick leave and take part in a return to work interview afterwards.

Chris Kisby, employment law partner at Shakespeare Martineau, said that employers are within their rights to ask staff to take an alcohol test if they suspected people of returning to work drunk after a game.

He said employers may deal with inappropriate behaviour, including employees making slurs against other nationalities, by using grievance and disciplinary procedures.

“Euro 2016 is not an excuse for inappropriate behaviour. Investigations should be undertaken and where appropriate disciplinary action should be taken,” Mr Kisby said.

But that doesn’t have to be the case. Many companies are embracing Euro 2016 as an opportunity to engage and motivate employees.

Some bosses have recognised that hosting company viewings around big sporting spectacles, such as the European championship, can deliver benefits.

Research by the Institute of Leadership and Management has revealed that 77 per cent of employees think that screening the Euro matches in the office would boost morale, while 30 per cent said it would improve productivity.

Phil Sheridan, UK senior managing director of Robert Half UK, said that employers who plan ahead and incorporate the matches into their company events calendar will see an increase in employee morale and job satisfaction.

“Activities to consider include flexible work schedules, remote working and late starts to balance work priorities with national pride over the course of the tournament,” Mr Sheridan said.

Moorepay is combatting absence around sporting events by encouraging staff to talk to their bosses to agree on flexible working that allows them to watch their favourite team.

Ms Dodd said that upwards of 40 per cent of Moorepay staff are expected to make use of this policy.

Many are taking half-hour lunch breaks in the weeks leading up to the England-Wales match to accrue time that they can then spend watching the games, either in the office or at home.

“These sporting events present companies with a great opportunity to improve employee satisfaction and engagement. If employees feel a company is willing to accommodate their interests, they are more likely to go the extra mile in return,” she said.