England's World Cup clash with Mexico on Monday resulted in a significant number of employees taking the day off or arriving late to work, according to a survey by human resources software firm CIPHR. The match, which kicked off at 3 p.m. BST, saw an estimated 1.2 million workers either booking the day off or turning up late, costing the UK economy an estimated £340 million in lost productivity.
Survey Reveals Widespread Impact
The survey of 2,000 UK employees found that 12% had booked the day off specifically to watch the game, while 8% admitted to arriving late to work. A further 5% said they planned to watch the match during work hours, using streaming services on their devices. The phenomenon was most pronounced among younger workers, with 22% of 18- to 34-year-olds taking the day off compared to just 4% of those aged 55 and over.
Employers Advised to Plan Ahead
Claire Williams, chief people officer at CIPHR, advised employers to plan for major sporting events to minimize disruption. "Employers can consider flexible working hours, allowing staff to start later or finish earlier, or even organizing a company-wide screening," she said. "This can boost morale and reduce the temptation for unauthorized absence." The survey also found that 15% of managers reported higher than usual stress levels dealing with staffing shortages on match days.
Economic Cost of Lost Productivity
The estimated £340 million loss is based on average hourly earnings of £15.60 and an average of 2.5 hours lost per affected worker. The figure does not include the cost of employees who watched the game during work hours, which could add another £100 million. However, some businesses reported a boost in sales, particularly pubs and restaurants that screened the match, with the British Beer and Pub Association estimating an extra £50 million in revenue.
Comparison to Previous Events
The impact was similar to that of England's 2018 World Cup semi-final against Croatia, which saw an estimated 1.5 million workers take time off. However, the Monday timing of this year's match likely reduced the total number of absences compared to a weekend game. The survey also highlighted regional variations, with London seeing the highest rate of day-off bookings at 18%, while the South West had the lowest at 8%.
Advice for Future Matches
As England progresses in the tournament, experts recommend that employers communicate clear policies on flexible working and encourage employees to plan ahead. "If England reaches the final, which is scheduled for a Sunday, the impact on weekday work will be minimal," added Williams. "But for future weekday matches, proactive planning is key." The survey also noted that 60% of employees said they would be more loyal to an employer that offered flexibility during major sporting events.
