Rugby World Cup 2015 - how does it affect work?

Posted by Andrew on September 18, 2015

With the Rugby World Cup starting this weekend and running for the next 6 weeks, it is reasonable to expect that some (but not all) staff are going to swing in behind the All Blacks. The result of this can be staff turning up for work tired, hungover......or not turning up at all. 

Our suggestions for the duration of the World Cup are:

• If you know that there is a big game on, particularly All Blacks games and the knockout games later on, talk to your staff and make sure everyone is on the same page about turning up when expected. Some flexibility from employers is important but this does not have to happen at the expense of your business operations - if you can be flexible great.
• If you operate in an office environment and can get the games on TV or via the internet, that will be a great way to deal with games that clash with the need to be at work. At Superior Personnel we will have Sky Go up and running to deal with those clashes.
• If staff turn up for work and they are not in a fit state to work, because they are too tired or affected by alcohol - first and foremost the employer needs to make sure that their policies around drugs and alcohol are adhered to. There is no excuse for having someone at work under the influence of drugs or alcohol and operating machinery or posing a danger to themselves or others......World Cup or not. If someone isn't fit for work, send them home
• Have fun! This is an opportunity for employers to have some fun with staff and have a bit of team building at the same time, especially as many employers become busier in the lead up to Christmas.

All the best to the teams competing in the World Cup this year and.....Go the All Blacks!