World Cup Policy

We have a company policy on the world cup? Could this be a case of too much time on HR’s hands? Given the mass exodus on the 6th floor, I suspect not. I re-read the email:-

"The Firm recognises that employees may wish to take time off during the time of the football World Cup and we thought it useful to issue some guidelines in advance of the event. Clearly, we need to manage people's attendance at the office during this time, we we have put together the attached policy document.

With specific reference to England's group game versus Slovenia on Wednesday 23rd June, I confirm that we will be screening the match down on the 4th floor here at Portman Square and have room to accommodate approximately 80 people.

If you wish to watch this match (3.00 - 4.45 pm), please obtain your manager's approval first and then respond to this email using the voting buttons above. Places will be allocated on a first come first served basis. Please note that in order to minimise the impact on the business, it follows that if a particular Line Manager receives a large number of requests at the same time, some requests may not be approved. We ask those that are approved to respect the flexibility and make up the lost time during that week.

We will not be serving alcohol during the match and ask that staff do not 'bring their own'. We will , however, be serving beers, wine and soft drinks down on the 4th floor after the match and all are welcome to attend as we either toast England's success or drown our sorrows!"

Barrie brings up the world cup as I ask him about his plans for the weekend, which inevitably leads to the company policy. I’m already in snigger mode when he huffs how ridiculously narrow minded it is. Huh? Jaroslav is from Serbia, and Andy from Greece. We’ve had so many discussions about the national teams, and if the company really wanted a policy then they shouldn’t ignore the diversity of our teams. Wow. The thought had never crossed my mind and I’m torn between the ludicrousness of having a policy to begin with and the very valid comment Barrie’s making. Dammit. He’s right. If you’re going to ping out emails to the team then don’t assume we all want to watch the England match and give them the option. Telecast the matches of the all the nationalities we employ! You go Barrie. I shall put in a demand for Brazil and Portugal (on behalf of all good Goans). England’s gonna lose anyway.