"MUST WATCH" EVENTS DURING THE 9 TO 5?
The Summer of 2024: “Must watch” events during the 9-5?
Euro 2024 has already been packed with major day-time events, and that is only going to increase over the next couple of months… let’s have a look at the highlights:
Euro 2024 Football Tournament: 16 June – 16 July
Irrespective of England’s performances, Euro 2024’s first 2 weeks have captivated football fans, with 3 matches per day so far. Even though the 2pm kick off games have wrapped up, employees are eager to watch live matches, follow their favourite teams, and participate in the excitement. Key matches, especially those featuring England, are high on everyone’s watch list!
Wimbledon: 1 – 14 July
Wimbledon remains a staple of the British summer, and this year’s tournament is lining up to be particularly exciting. With old heads Murray and Djokovic looking likely to be missing with injury, up-and-coming British players will be hopeful of making headlines! Tennis fans will want to be glued to their screens during the matches.
The Paris Olympics and Paralympic Games: 26 July – 11 August and 28 August – 8 September
The 2024 Summer Olympics and Paralympic Games in Paris will no doubt captivate sports fans worldwide. With thrilling competitions in athletics, swimming, gymnastics, and more, there’s no shortage of excitement. British athletes will hopefully be making waves! Many employees are keen to catch these events live, especially key events involving Team GB.
“The summer of 2024 is bursting with events that employees are excited about, and by being flexible and considerate, employers can create a positive and productive work environment. Embracing flexible hours, remote work, live streaming, and event-themed activities not only keeps employees happy but also shows that you value their well-being and work-life balance.”
Realistically, there will be employees who want to watch these events live and may find themselves hiding away with an iPhone, or switching off early to do so. So, how can employers keep employees who want to be a part of these events productive, and content?
Employers have a golden opportunity to boost morale and maintain productivity by adopting flexible work arrangements. Here are some practical suggestions:
Flexible Hours
Allowing employees to adjust their work hours can make a big difference. For instance, letting staff come in early and leave early or start late and finish late can help them catch live Olympic events, Euro 2024 matches, or Wimbledon games without compromising their work commitments. Depending on the formality required, a flexible working policy is helpful, and can help meet the new requirements for formal flexible working requests.
Remote Work Options
Encouraging remote work, even if just a few days a week, can give employees the freedom to balance their professional and personal interests more effectively. This is especially useful for those who usually have a long commute during event hours.
Live Streaming at Work
Setting up designated areas where employees can watch major events live can be a great morale booster, and build team morale. Whether it’s a conference room with a big screen or a small corner with a TV, this gesture shows that you value your employees’ interests.
Event-Themed Activities
Organising office activities related to major events can create a fun and engaging work environment. Host a mini-Olympics in the office, have a Euro 2024-themed football tournament, or set up a “cinema room” for live matches and Wimbledon lunchtimes. These activities can foster team spirit and make the workplace more enjoyable. Similarly, booking spaces in local social spaces which show the events can make for a fun after work social.
Encouraging Time Management
Provide guidance on time management to help employees balance work and leisure. Encourage them to prioritise tasks and use tools like calendars and task managers to stay on top of their responsibilities while enjoying their favourite events, and boost productivity too.
Avoiding discrimination
It wouldn’t be an employment lawyer authored article without a nod to discrimination risk! As with any policy or practice in the workplace (e.g. letting those watching matches leave early), there is a risk of discrimination. Anything which has the potential to disproportionately impact one particular group (i.e. those non-watchers) carries a risk of indirect discrimination. So, ensure all practices are fairly and equally applied.
The summer of 2024 is bursting with events that employees are excited about, and by being flexible and considerate, employers can create a positive and productive work environment. Embracing flexible hours, remote work, live streaming, and event-themed activities not only keeps employees happy but also shows that you value their well-being and work-life balance. Here’s to a summer filled with enjoyment and efficient teamwork!