Bosses Ban 46% of Brits From Watching World Cup 2006

With the kick off for the World Cup 2006 on most peopleís minds, football fans are bracing themselves for a summer of sessions down the pub and a rollercoaster of emotions. But while football mania sweeps the nation, itís all work and no play for some, as 46% of Brits have been banned from watching the World Cup during working hours.

So will your boss watch the game or does he think itís lame? Have a TV at work or no such perk? The Monster Meter asked, ìWill you be allowed to watch the World Cup 2006 during work hours?î 1,262 Brits placed a vote, revealing:

46% (572 votes) ìNo ñ watching sport on TV is not allowed under any circumstanceî
28% (357 votes) ìYes ñ my boss is a sports fanaticî
20% (257 votes) ìYes ñ but only during my lunch breakî
6% (76 votes) ìYes ñ but only the finalî

Excitement generated around the World Cup 2006 boosts morale and raises team spirits in the workplace. However, Sven Goran Eriksson may not be the only manager suffering from the absence of key team members. The tournament has the potential to distract football fans from going to work and UK employers should have preparations in place to avoid staff calling in sick with football fever.

ìSome workers will want to watch the football, but this doesnít need to lead to absenteeism and a drop in productivity,î explains Alan Townsend, COO Monster UK & Ireland. ìThe World Cup is a great opportunity for team bonding and creating a motivated workforce. Employers should encourage staff to enjoy the tournament and there are a number of measures they can introduce such as providing TVs, putting up decorations or organising an office party. This will help to create a positive and happy work environment, which is crucial to any business.î

Monsterís Top Tips ñ Surviving World Cup Mania at Work

1. Man of the match ñ Reward staff and offer incentives for working hard

2. Donít be caught off side ñ Donít sneak off to watch a game when you should be at work. Discuss plans with your boss in advance

3. Strike it lucky ñ Enjoy the fun and organise games such as a sweepstake

4. Donít show staff the red card ñ Avoid staff absenteeism and upsetting fans by providing televisions, radios or special access to the Internet to keep up with crucial matches