I do not know how many articles I have read about the cost of losses in productivity because of the World Cup. Companies have been expecting the rise in the number of people calling-in sick. If and when employees do show up for work, some employers expect distracted employees who are more interested in keeping themselves up-to-date with the matches going on rather than with work. And then, there are those who come to work tired after a night of drinking, watching and celebrating.
On the other hand, as reported by Career Journal, other companies are giving in by hosting viewing parties and turning a blind eye when monitors are tuned to the games.
Here in Germany, where I am currently based, you are not going to believe what a lot of us can get away with. In my office alone, I have great examples:
- We were allowed NOT to schedule business trips outside the country during the whole World Cup 2006 games month.
- A colleague was allowed to go on vacation leave for 2 weeks (despite the present work load) due to the World Cup.
- A few of my colleagues have been allowed to take particular days off (again, work load not considered) to watch the game live.
- An internal betting rounds in currently on-going, with 5Euros per bet on the pot.
- We are allowed to watch the games on TV (from the conference room) or check online stats during office hours.
Yes, everyone here is World Cup crazy. And no one is even talking about the cost of productivity loss. And from what I have heard from two other friends, they have the same going on in their office.
[photo source: football.co.uk]
Yup. I sent an e-mail off last Friday...nothing yet...don't expect much either... Oh well. The good thing is, this is only once every 4 years!
...now...if only Japan can pull through and win! (^_^)
Posted by: Tim Arai | June 15, 2006 3:23 AM | Permalink to Comment