Balancing Work and World Cup: A Guide for Employees

Introduction

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to begin, many football fans in England and Scotland are faced with a familiar challenge: balancing late-night matches with work the following day. The tournament's schedule spans across the US, Canada, and Mexico, with kick-off times that can extend well into the early hours of the morning. For employees, this means planning ahead to manage their responsibilities while enjoying the excitement of the World Cup.

Strategies for Fans

Fans are adopting various tactics to enjoy the games without compromising their work schedules. Some have already booked annual leave around key knockout fixtures. Others are exploring options such as flexible working arrangements—such as later start times or working from home after late-night matches. Cameron Rae, a Scotland fan, has already scheduled Monday off after the Haiti game to attend a Tartan Army fan zone at his local town hall. This event will feature a bar and DJ running until 4am, providing an alternative way for fans to celebrate their team's success without jeopardizing work commitments.

Employment Considerations

In response to the anticipated surge in World Cup-related absences, employment experts have warned businesses to prepare for what they term 'World Cup sickies.' BrightHR, a company monitoring absences across over one million UK employees, predicts that at least 1.5 million workers will call in sick during the tournament, resulting in more than 2.3 million additional sickness absences. This data underscores the need for employers to plan ahead and manage expectations regarding employee availability.

"The World Cup could cost UK employers around £681m in lost productivity," said a representative from workforce management company UKG. "This highlights the importance of balancing team morale with operational needs."

Flexible Work Policies

Some companies are proactively addressing these concerns by implementing flexible working policies during the tournament. Birmingham-based digital agency Pull the Pin, for example, has expanded its flexible working policy to accommodate football fans. Founder Sam Hufton emphasizes transparency and planning, reminding employees that if they wish to watch a game and start a bit later, it's perfectly acceptable, as long as they communicate their intentions clearly.

"Everyone sets out a weekly plan of roughly when they're starting and finishing each day, so the whole team knows where everyone is," Hufton explains. His company has embraced similar approaches during previous tournaments, including giving staff the morning off after England's Euro 2024 final against Spain.

Employee Perspectives

Sharna Beveridge, Pull the Pin's social media manager, shares her experience of being part of a company culture that embraces the tournament spirit. Although not a huge football fan herself, she is getting in the spirit thanks to the hype at work.

"The office has completely lost the plot... in the best way possible," Beveridge says. "We've even got our own competition going. The extra couple of hours in bed will definitely sway my decision to go out rather than stay in."

Expert Advice

David D'Souza, a director at the CIPD, emphasizes that employers should be clear about their expectations and encourage employees to book time off where games or after-effects could affect work performance. John Palmer, senior advisor at conciliation service Acas, advises football fans to let their employer know what their intentions are as soon as possible to see what accommodations can be made.

"Be fair with your employer, your employer will be fair with you," Palmer concludes.

National Celebrations

In Scotland, a unique situation has emerged with the announcement of a one-off national Bank Holiday on June 15th to celebrate the national team's return to the World Cup after 26 years. All NHS Scotland staff and Scottish government employees are entitled to this day off. Local councils have the option to opt in or out, while private businesses are not legally obligated to close or grant the extra holiday.

Planning Ahead

As we move closer to the tournament's start, it is essential for both employees and employers to plan ahead. Whether it's scheduling time off, adjusting work hours, or simply communicating openly with colleagues, the key lies in maintaining a balance between personal enjoyment and professional responsibility.

The 2026 World Cup promises to be an exciting event that brings communities together, but it also presents unique challenges for workplace dynamics. By fostering open communication and embracing flexible working practices, employees can enjoy the tournament while keeping their jobs secure.