As England edge closer to a potential FIFA World Cup final appearance, employers could face a potential surge in absenteeism, schedule changes, and reduced productivity as football fever grips the workforce, according to UKG research.
The study estimates the tournament could result in £12.6 billion in lost productivity globally, with UK businesses alone facing an estimated £681 million hit as employees alter their working patterns to follow the action.
The research comes as businesses prepare for what could become one of the busiest periods for flexible working requests, which could be heightened if England breaks its 60-year drought and actually wins the tournament.
World Cup Set to Test Workforce Planning
UKG surveyed 8,000 employees across Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Mexico, the Netherlands, the UK, and the US, finding that more than a third (37%) expected to change their work schedule because of the tournament.
More than a quarter (27%) said they are likely to miss work by arriving late, leaving early, or skipping a shift altogether, while one in three (33%) plans to take at least one day off during the competition.
The research also points to a rise in "presenteeism," or employees who attend work but are operating below their normal capacity. Around 22% expect to arrive at work tired or exhausted, while 11% admit they will be working while hungover. Meanwhile, 14% plan to secretly stream matches or highlights during working hours as they attempt to keep up with the tournament.
Taken together, the findings suggest employers could face a combination of absenteeism and reduced on-the-job performance throughout the tournament. Employees arriving late, taking unplanned leave, or working while fatigued can all reduce productivity, while colleagues covering additional workloads may experience increased pressure of their own. UKG said the knock-on effect could extend beyond output, impacting customer service, team morale, and day-to-day operations, particularly in organizations with large frontline workforces.
Flexibility May Be Better Than a Crackdown
For employers, the temptation may be to introduce stricter attendance policies or take a zero-tolerance approach to unauthorized absences. While that may reduce some disruption, it also risks damaging employee morale at a time when many workers view major sporting events as shared cultural moments.
Indeed, UKG found that 19% of those surveyed said they would consider looking for a new job if their work schedule negatively affected their World Cup experience. Managers themselves are also expected to seek greater flexibility, with half planning to request schedule changes in advance compared with just over a third of non-managers.
