Most managers don't believe workers will take a sickie during the World Cup, despite evidence that absentee rates could soar, a report claims today.
A survey of 100 human resources directors revealed that most had not drawn up any plans to allow their staff to watch the games.
Jon Clarke, of professional services firm Deloitte & Touche, which conducted the research, said: "It is worrying that so few have established a formal policy to manage the obvious demand to watch the World Cup.
"If one employee in ten calls in sick, it could cause severe disruption to business. HR directors need to tackle the problem before it happens by having a clearly communicated policy."
Researchers also questioned 500 workers, finding that almost one in ten planned to call in sick to watch games.
Around half said they would listen to the World Cup on the radio, one in four hoped to watch games on TV and a tenth will tune in via the internet.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article