Don't Deal Out Red Cards for Watching the World Cup at Work - Compromise

June 11, 2010 - PRLog -- As football fans across the UK begin to enjoy the World Cup in South Africa, the internet has never been such a temptation in the workplace, says Broadbandgenie.co.uk. With games on at 12.30pm and 3pm for the next two weeks, and broadband as common in workplaces now as paper clips, what are employers - and employees - meant to do to keep the work-footy balance from slipping into a disciplinary hearing?

With matches being streamed online, both video and audio, as well as all the up to date team news and gossip, there will be an unprecedented pressure put on bosses to be lenient to their staff, and for staff to push the boundaries of what their employers find acceptable. And with smartphones now just as capable of receiving broadband as PCs and laptops, it can be even easier for footy fans to have a sneaky skive.  

Jayn Bond, head of HR at Workplace Law Group, advises that rather than companies introducing new policies for the World Cup they should just be clear with managers and staff about the relevant policies in advance. She said: "The key to these situations is to decide what is acceptable or unacceptable to the employer before it happens and ensure that staff are aware of the boundaries.

"Give staff the opportunity to book holiday if they are keen to watch the World Cup and at the same time make them aware that watching the match on the internet in working time would be considered a disciplinary offence. It is important that the rules are clear and then no one can claim that they were not made aware of any possible consequences."

Broadband Genie editor Chris Marling added: "Just as businesses have embraced broadband, they need to accept that sometimes it will be a hindrance in the workplace as well as a help. It's best to accept the situation by giving employees options, instead of trying to rule with an iron fist. Perhaps you could set up a room where staff can watch the games, as long as they make up the hours later in the day, or at the weekend. This will keep your business moving, reduce downtime and promote goodwill with staff.

"However, it's important to remember the staff that have no interest in football - you shouldn't be too lenient, as others may start to feel they are unfairly missing out on an office perk. Try to give your staff opportunities to see the games they want to watch, while making it clear that they will make up for the time off in full."

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS
1. All queries and interview requests should be directed to Chris Marling at Broadband Genie:t 0844 415 5531 / f 0871 6618553 / m 07908 327303 / chris.marling@genieventures.co.uk

2. Workplace Law Group specialises in employment law, health and safety and premises management. We provide information, advice, training and consulting for organisations throughout the UK, to help them comply with the law and manage people in the workplace. We are a professional compliance support company. Our strong links to governmental and regulatory bodies and our highly qualified information management, training and consulting personnel ensure we are at the forefront of legislative change.

3. For information and insight on HR and employment law please contact Jayn Bond on 0871 777 8881 or visit http://www.workplacelaw.net/

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About Broadband Genie:
Broadband Genie is the UK's leading independent broadband and mobile broadband comparison website, providing consumers with an unbiased source of information on broadband prices and contracts and allowing them to compare broadband providers in an independent environment. Broadband Genie was launched in March 2004 as the first dedicated consumer comparison site for broadband, while Mobile Broadband Genie was the first independent mobile broadband comparison site, launched in October 2007. The sites were combined in 2010, with the addition of smartphone comparison. The site is one of the most popular in its field, regularly featuring in the national press. http://www.broadbandgenie.co.uk