Just one in five employers plans to offer flexible working hours during the World Cup, despite the challenging timings of some matches, new research suggests.
England’s next fixture, against Mexico, kicks off at 1am on Monday, leaving many fans with little sleep before their working day.
A survey of 1,100 managers by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) found that only 20 per cent of businesses intend to provide flexible arrangements, such as adjusted start or finish times, to help staff watch the tournament.
The study also revealed that only a minority of firms are offering extended breaks, workplace screenings, or additional leave options.
Petra Wilton, director of policy at the CMI, said: “We’re not saying every England win deserves a bank holiday, but if millions of people have stayed up until 3am supporting their team, asking employers to let them start a little later the next morning is simply common sense.
“We’re saying to employers across the country: ‘let them start late’.
“The World Cup is a reminder of why flexible working matters. Great managers recognise that people have lives outside work, and when they offer sensible flexibility, whether that’s around caring responsibilities, medical appointments or even the occasional late-night sporting event, organisations benefit too through higher engagement, improved wellbeing, stronger retention and, ultimately, better performance.”
David D’Souza, director of profession at the CIPD – the professional body for human resources, said: “England’s victory means employers and employees now have a few days to discuss expectations ahead of the team’s next World Cup match against Mexico.
“Employers are under no obligation to make special arrangements around World Cup matches, however some may choose to offer flexibility where this works for the business and does not impact performance. The key is setting clear expectations ahead of time.
“Options for organisations that decide to be more flexible include agreeing annual leave, swapping shifts, adjusting working hours, making up time later, working from home where appropriate, or in some workplaces watching the match on site.”
Read More16.3 million people tune in to watch England beat DR Congo at World Cup
School can wait – let children stay up for England game, Tuchel says
PM tells forced adoption survivors ‘shame is ours’ as he makes formal apology
