EURO 2024 – HR Survival Guide

The beautiful game is coming home (well, almost) as Euro 2024 kicks off in Germany on June 14th! This is a time for excitement, team spirit, and maybe a touch of friendly office rivalry (especially for those England and Scotland supporters!).

As always, Sapphire HR is here to support you through major sporting events. You’ll be receiving our special Euro 2024 Wallchart this week, packed with tips to keep your team engaged and productive. We’d love to see how you’re using it! Snap a photo of your Wallchart in action or any team activities you’ve planned and share them with us or tag us in them on LinkedIn!

But before the first whistle blows, let’s address some of the common HR questions that arise during big tournaments. This survival guide will equip you to handle these situations smoothly, ensuring everyone can enjoy the Euros without work suffering.

Crafting a Winning Euro 2024 Strategy: Should You Announce Your Plans?

 Some football fans are already planning how to catch the matches. But for others, the tournament might not be top priority when it comes to work schedules.

The Key is Clear Communication:

Sapphire HR understands that every workplace is different. Here’s how to decide on the best approach for your team:

Consider Your Options: Will you allow flexible work arrangements for game time? Will you create a dedicated viewing area for key matches? Or will employees need to use annual leave?

Make a Decision and Communicate It Clearly: Let your team know your plan well in advance. If you’re open to flexible work or leave requests, explain the process for making them.

Managing Leave and Attendance During Euro 2024:

While some employees have meticulously planned their schedules around the matches, others might be scrambling for time off.  Here’s how to handle common leave and attendance challenges during the tournament:

Remind your team of the game plan:  Revisit your annual leave policy and procedures well in advance of the Euros.  Ensure your team understands the process for requesting time off and any deadlines involved.

Be Prepared for Overlapping Requests:  Let your team know how you’ll handle situations where multiple employees request the same time off.  A “first-come, first-served” approach can work well, but be mindful of statutory leave rights like caring responsibilities.

Address Unauthorised Absences:  Unfortunately, unauthorised absences can sometimes occur during major sporting events.  Have a clear procedure for addressing these situations, including potential disciplinary action. However, remember to approach it with fairness and consider the specific circumstances.

Don’t forget to take advice should the above happen from the HR Helpdesk.

The “ Euros Bug “: Dealing with Sickness Absence on/Around Big Matches

When employees understand that you monitor sick leave, they’re more likely to communicate openly if they’re genuinely unwell. Having a clear and accessible sickness policy is crucial, and established procedures should be followed for addressing any potential absence concerns.

Remember, fairness and following established protocols are essential. If an employee calls in sick, you must treat their absence as genuine unless you have concrete evidence suggesting otherwise. This includes paying them Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) if they’re eligible and upholding any contractual sick pay rights they might have. Even if you previously declined a leave request for a match day, you can’t automatically assume the absence is illegitimate.

If suspicion arises, politely ask the employee for details about their illness, its onset, and whether they sought medical advice. Upon their return, a back-to-work interview, even for short absences, is a reasonable practice. This allows you to discuss any inconsistencies between their reported symptoms and their observed behaviour (for example being interviewed live on Match of the Day from Frankfurt when the employee is allegedly too sick to work for a week).

Red Card for Bias: Avoiding Unintentional Discrimination During the Euros

When considering flexible work arrangements or leave requests during the Euros, remember to be fair and inclusive.  While some employees might support specific teams, ensure your decisions are not based on nationality (as race is a protected characteristic).  Here’s how to ensure a level playing field:

Clear and Consistent Policy: Apply your existing leave policy and flexible work options consistently for all employees, regardless of the teams they support.

Open Communication: Encourage employees to discuss their preferences well in advance. Finding solutions that work for everyone might involve scheduling adjustments or flexible work arrangements. By being transparent and adhering to fair practices, you can help your team enjoy the Euros without compromising on inclusivity.

But What About Off-Site Behaviour?

We all hope for a peaceful and celebratory atmosphere during the Euros. However, past instances of anti-social behaviour and football violence raise questions about potential consequences. With the rise of social media, such incidents can be easily captured and shared, potentially leading to identification.

The Workplace Connection:

Even though these behaviours occur outside of work hours, they can still impact your professional life. Employers have the right to set clear standards of conduct, and serious offenses might be subject to internal disciplinary procedures, depending on their severity. In some cases, such behaviours could even constitute criminal offenses.

Conclusion:

The Euros are nearly upon us, bringing excitement, competition, and maybe even some friendly office rivalry! By following these tips and fostering open communication with your team, you can ensure a smooth and productive month. Sapphire HR is here to support you! If you have any questions regarding flexible work arrangements, leave policies, or managing potential Euros-related issues, don’t hesitate to reach out.

We’d love to see how your teams are celebrating the Euros! Share photos or stories of any team activities or decorations on social media and tag us. Here’s to a fantastic Euros filled with team spirit and a little bit of football magic!