Super Bowl Sunday is fast-approaching; and your workers could be excited to distraction. To keep this big event from disrupting your workplace, address these key issues:
- Gambling in the workplace. About 54 million Americans join betting pools, although only 13 states have legal exemptions that permit some form of these. Know your state laws, and have a workplace gambling policy, share it before the big day, and apply it consistently.
- Lost productivity. Last year, American businesses lost close to $4.4 billion in productivity the week before Super Bowl. Why? Workers are getting psyched for the game—reading articles, checking social media, texting friends, watching videos, and planning parties. To combat this, emphasis the importance of focusing on work goals, offer rewards for top performance, and encourage managers to watch employees for signs of distraction. Consider holding Super Bowl-themed lunches or happy hours to give workers set times to think/talk about the game.
- Dress code concerns. Make it clear in your dress code policies what type of jerseys or other sports gear will and will not be permitted.
- Absences and tardiness on Monday. Remind workers ahead of time that they will be expected back to work on Monday as usual. Enforce productivity standards and attendance policies.
