Released on: June 15, 2010, 3:39 am
Author:
Acas
Industry:
Human Resources
Acas has offered advice to employers in order for them to get the best from their employees and avoid absences during the football World Cup this summer.
Acas has urged employers to start talking to employees early to manage their expectations and minimise the impact on workplace productivity.
One of the main issues that Acas has offered advice to employers on is flexibility. Acas is encouraging employers to discuss the possibility of altering start and finish times in the workplace in order to offer the employee a longer lunch break to watch football.
Acas has also suggested being clear on what the employer expects from its employees in terms of attendance and performance throughout the World Cup. This not only helps to keep everyone in the know and assists the workforce in maintaining a high performance rate despite a possible altered attendance.
Honesty is also crucial in making sure everyone knows where they stand and, when combined with being fair and constructively responsive to any queries or questions regarding the changes or time off, any employment disputes will be prevented or at least minimised.
Being communicative is a vital area according to Acas, and the aforementioned points should be discussed by employer and employee as early as possible.
John Taylor, Acas Chief Executive, says: "Big sporting occasions can present a number of dilemmas for employers who might be worried about the impact of less productive employees or the after effects of lively celebrations. Employers need to start planning now to avoid problems later on, check policies and procedures and remind staff how these work in practice."
About Acas:
Acas’ aim is to improve organisations and working life through better employment relations. It provides information, advice, training such
as employment law training and a range of services working with employers and
employees to prevent or resolve problems and improve performance. It is an
independent statutory body governed by a Council consisting of the Acas Chair and
employer, trade union and independent members. This can be found at the Acas website.
For more information about Acas or this PR, please contact:
Lou Owen
Media and Marketing Officer
Acas National
Euston Tower
286 Euston Road
NW1 3JJ
020 7271 3920
www.acas.org.uk