Page 25 - BOSS Today Issue 40

DOWN TO BUSINESS – HR BOSS Today #40

mobile phones while at be made in line with existing company
work either to watch or procedure.
keep track of matches, use You may wish to adopt a ‘business as
of company computers to usual’ approach to the World Cup, or
watch live streams of matches, you might want to be flexible and make
unauthorised absences, an arrangements for employees to follow
increase in the number of requests more important matches. You may
for annual leave (as keen football fans even consider whether it is appropriate
are likely to want to follow all of their to relax your internet policy and allow
country’s matches), and potential employees to follow important matches
discrimination issues caused by via the internet. Naturally, this will
workplace ‘banter’. depend on the nature of the workplace,
As many employees will be actively on health and safety considerations,
following the event and may be and whether employee productivity is
supporting teams from different likely to be adversely effected.
countries, there is always the potential To summarise:
for national rivalries to result in n Remind employees of relevant ensure that these are also managed
remarks being made that may cause policies, in order to avoid disruption in by following company policy and
offence to other employees. the workplace during a major sporting procedure.
It would be wise to remind employees event.
about company policies before the n Ensure that you treat all employees Finally, and with much relief for some
event, in particular your: fairly and consistently with regards to of us, the World Cup only lasts for a
n sickness/absence policy requests for annual leave. month, and if the results don’t go your
n internet policy n Manage any instances of unauthorised way, remember: it’s only a game.
n mobile phone policy absence, internet use and mobile
n dignity at work policy phone use by following your existing If you would like HR documentation, including the
policies. policies mentioned in this article (available to
Employees should also be reminded n Should any incidents involving Gold and Platinum members), please contact your
that requests for annual leave must inappropriate remarks occur, Regional HR Adviser or visit the BOSS website.

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