World Cup to affect productivity & a rise in sick leave

QX179R SG

A rise in sick leave and lower productivity.

That’s what employers are told to expect during the two-and-a- half weeks of World Cup competition.

Recruitment & HR services specialists, Randstad, said because many Singaporeans are passionate about football, the World Cup is likely to have an impact beyond tired faces at the office.

It said employees are likely to watch replays on their computers in the office, have post match discussions, as well as participate in online forums - particularly as the final approaches.

Its Regional Director (Singapore & Malaysia), Karin Clarke, said businesses, especially those which are tightly resourced and still trying to recover from the recent financial crisis, may find World Cup Fever irritating and a major distraction.

Instead of dampening people’s spirits and expressing their frustration, she said it’s an ideal time for bosses to embrace the spirit of the sport, and build employee morale through celebration and a culture of teamwork.

She said meetings, projects and deadlines may require flexibility or rescheduling, particularly if the staff working on these projects are passionate football fans.

Temporary staff can fill the gaps where needed.

-- 938Live

QX179R SG

Employers can ensure balance between work and play during World Cup month

SINGAPORE: The World Cup is upon us with football fever gripping most fans. In some cases, the enthusiasm could mean more medical leave and absenteeism among staff as they catch the late night action on television.

And that spells a red card for employers, as productivity is likely to suffer.

Several matches in South Africa will air at a late hour in Singapore.

With the final whistle coming in the wee hours of the morning, fans may not have enough sleep.

Taking urgent or medical leave could be an option, but not so if employers can help balance work and play.

Adecco is one such company.

It decided to put in measures, to minimise any disruption following their experience during the 2008 Euro Championships.

Foong Wei Liang, talent attraction manager, Adecco Personnel, said: "The company does not want us to call in at the last minute and say that 'I cannot wake up' or 'sorry I am sick' but rather they let us plan ahead our leave and make sure we are not having any big projects or our leave doesn't clash with one another.

"Everything is being well-planned and we will have our task covered by someone else during this period."

Being a HR consultancy, Adecco even has tips for other employers, like having open communication channels.

Network Courier has its own solutions.

During the last World Cup, it arranged for staff to watch the matches in the office.

This year, the company with 177 staff, is going a step further.

V S Kumar, managing director, Network Courier, said: "I have subscribed for this football channel and it will be recorded in the night in my house and my despatch riders and drivers can come back to my house in the evening, after their work to watch their games."

Jeffrey Adinan, driver, Network Courier, said: "It's because of the driver safety precaution. If we watch overnight it is not safe for us because we have not enough sleep and rest."

Besides catching the action, there will also be food and drinks and some staff-bonding.

Employers are not the only ones who could suffer during the World Cup. Stock markets are expected to be down and wives and girlfriends will see less of their boyfriends and husbands during this one-month period. - CNA/vm

troublemaker2005 SG

Really i don;t carre

SevenEleven SG

productivity??? that's not true....see the report on soars in sales of condom in South Korea

troublemaker2005 SG

productivity??? that's not true....see the report on soars in sales of condom in South Korea

hmm maybe it afect a litlle on productivity with my wives and galfren , wash world cups mah, no time to watch their cuops