The World Cup kicks off in South Africa on 11th June and presents employers with potential questions as to how it might affect their business. There is for example likely to be increased pressure from staff members to have time off work so that they can watch certain matches and some staff might even be tempted to “throw a sickie” in order to do so.

The supermarket Asda has announced that they will be operating a “shift swap” for the duration of the tournament so that employees who want time off to watch a match can contact employees who are happy to work during matches. This solution will not be suitable for every business but even so it makes sense to consider and plan ahead for any potential issues that may arise. Here are my top tips:

1. Reiterate your absence policy. There is of course no right to take time off to watch football but staff should be clear that absence requests can be refused according to the needs of the business. Make it clear that any absence requests will be considered on a “first come, first served” basis.

2. Reiterate your alcohol and drugs policy. The increased likelihood of hangover induced absence or alcohol use at work makes it important for businesses to stress their policies on alcohol and the effect this can have on productivity and absence levels. Stress that unauthorised time off without good reason (e.g. a hangover) will lead to disciplinary action.

3. Consider a flexible approach. Asda’s shift swapping is one idea but equally businesses could consider other ways of helping employees to enjoy the matches they want to watch without compromising the needs of the business – for example flexible working hours or unpaid leave.

4. Enjoy it. Rather than dwelling on the problems the World Cup could be used as a way of engaging staff and celebrating the event with them. Screening matches at work or as a social event outside working hours is a good way of bringing employees together and generating goodwill.