HR advice for the FIFA World Cup

Today marks the start of one of the biggest events in the sporting calendar: the World Cup. Major sporting events can be an exciting time, bringing people together, sparking conversation and creating a shared sense of energy across the workplace. 

However, while it’s easy to focus on supporting your favourite team, there is a wider opportunity for employers to use this moment to foster a positive and inclusive workplace culture. 

Not everyone will be a football fan, and that’s important to recognise. A workplace centred too heavily on one sport or team can unintentionally exclude others. By shifting the focus from “supporting a team” to “sharing an experience”, organisations can create a more inclusive and engaging atmosphere. 

Creating a positive culture doesn’t mean lowering expectations, it’s about allowing space for enjoyment while maintaining professionalism. Employers can support this by offering appropriate flexibility, such as adjusted working hours, shift swaps or extended breaks for key matches, alongside encouraging inclusive team activities and respectful behaviour. 

At the same time, clear boundaries remain essential. Productivity expectations should be maintained, behaviour must remain respectful, and policies on conduct, IT use and attendance should continue to be applied consistently. 

There is a clear link between engagement and workplace culture. Allowing employees to enjoy major events within reasonable limits can have a positive impact on morale and wellbeing. However, fairness should remain at the heart of decision-making to ensure all employees feel treated consistently. 

Major events may be temporary, but the way an organisation responds can have a lasting impact. When handled well, they can strengthen team relationships, reinforce inclusion, build trust and improve engagement. 

Rather than focusing solely on who’s playing, organisations have a real opportunity to create something bigger; a shared, positive experience that reflects their values. 

Here's our HR expertise in bite sized sections. This guidance from Hello People Solutions outlines practical steps employers can take to support employees fairly and consistently during the tournament, while maintaining productivity and minimising risk.

1. Planning Ahead

Preparation is key. Employers should communicate expectations early and ensure managers understand how policies will be applied consistently.

Consider:

• Circulating a temporary World Cup workplace guidance note

• Reminding employees of attendance and conduct expectations

• Reviewing annual leave requests fairly

• Planning staffing levels for key fixtures

• Identifying roles where flexibility may be possible

Clear communication reduces misunderstandings and supports positive employee relations.

2. Inclusivity and Fair Treatment

As we've already said not all employees will be interested in football or the World Cup. Employers should ensure activities remain inclusive and do not unintentionally alienise or exclude colleagues.

Good Practice Includes:

• Avoiding assumptions that everyone supports football

• Ensuring workplace conversations remain respectful

• Including optional rather than mandatory participation

• Avoiding excessive focus on alcohol-related events

• Being mindful of different cultures, religions and personal preferences

• Ensuring equal access to flexible arrangements where possible

Managers should also be alert to inappropriate banter, discriminatory comments or behaviour that could breach dignity at work policies.

3. Watching Matches at Work

Some employers may choose to allow employees to watch selected matches during working hours.

If doing so:

• Set clear expectations in advance

• Confirm whether time spent watching is paid or unpaid

• Ensure business operations can continue safely

• Apply arrangements consistently across teams

• Consider hybrid and remote workers fairly

Employers may also wish to consider flexible working arrangements such as:

• Earlier start and finish times

• Extended lunch breaks

• Shift swaps

• Temporary remote working arrangements

4. Handling Annual Leave Requests

High-profile matches can lead to increased annual leave requests.

Employers should:

• Apply annual leave procedures consistently

• Approve requests on a fair and reasonable basis

• Avoid favouritism

• Communicate clearly where operational requirements prevent approval

Where multiple requests are received for the same period, employers may use:

• First come, first served

• Rotational systems

• Team-based coverage planning

Managers should document decisions to ensure transparency.

5. Unauthorised Absence and “Pulling a Sickie”

One of the most common challenges during major tournaments is increased short-notice absence.

If an employee is absent without authorisation:

Employers should:

• Follow normal absence reporting procedures

• Investigate concerns fairly

• Avoid assumptions without evidence

• Apply disciplinary procedures consistently where appropriate

Employers should not ignore repeated patterns of absence linked to fixtures, particularly where there is evidence of dishonesty. However, managers should remain proportionate and avoid knee-jerk reactions.

6. Alcohol and Conduct Issues during the World Cup

Workplace celebrations can create risks around inappropriate behaviour and alcohol consumption.

Employers should remind employees that:

• Normal standards of conduct still apply

• Anti-harassment and dignity policies remain in force

• Discrimination, aggressive behaviour or offensive comments will not be tolerated

• Employees representing the organisation externally must behave professionally

For employers hosting events:

• Consider limiting alcohol

• Provide non-alcoholic options

• Ensure events remain inclusive

7. Sweepstakes, Office Competitions and Fantasy Leagues

Sweepstakes and football competitions can be a great way to boost morale, but employers should ensure participation is voluntary and appropriate.

Best Practice:

• Keep entry costs low and informal

• Ensure no employee feels pressured to participate

• Avoid excessive gambling-style activity

• Make competitions inclusive and respectful

• Ensure workplace banter remains appropriate

Employers should also consider:

• Whether prizes could create disputes

• How personal data will be managed if collecting entries

• Ensuring no discriminatory or offensive team names are used

8. Social Media Expectations during the World Cup

Employees may post about matches, celebrations or frustrations online.

Employers should remind staff:

• Confidential business information must not be shared

• Offensive or discriminatory posts may lead to disciplinary action

• Employees should avoid bringing the organisation into disrepute

Existing social media policies should be referenced where appropriate.

9. Supporting Employee Wellbeing

Major tournaments can create excitement, but also fatigue and distraction, particularly for employees watching late-night matches.

Employers may wish to:

• Encourage reasonable rest and wellbeing

• Promote flexibility where practical

• Monitor workload pressures

• Support managers dealing with reduced productivity

A balanced and pragmatic approach is usually most effective.

10. Recommended Employer Communication

Employers may wish to issue a short communication ahead of the tournament covering:

• Flexible working arrangements

• Annual leave expectations

• Attendance requirements

• Conduct standards

• Inclusivity reminders

• Guidance on sweepstakes or competitions

• Wellbeing support

Setting expectations early helps reduce issues later.

We'll leave you with the following:

The World Cup isn’t just about football, it’s about people. By taking an inclusive, culturally aware and balanced approach, employers can create a workplace where everyone feels part of the experience, whether they’re watching every match or none at all. 

PS yes all the Hello People Solutions crew know the words to 'It's Coming Home'.... but you probably won't find a video of us singing it in the office if England progress through the tournament to the finals!!

Image credit: FIFA