Advice to employers during the Olympic Games 2024

The Olympic Games 2024 has arrived! Starting on Friday, July 26, 2024, the Games is predicted to be the most watched event on earth with half of the world’s population expected to tune in at some point over the event’s 16-day duration.

To help employers prepare for potential issues that could arise during the Games, workplace expert, ACAS has issued its ‘top tips’ for employers to be alive to.

In the lead-up to the Games, ACAS Chief Executive, Susan Clews said the following:

“Paris 2024 will be an exciting event for many sports fans but staff should avoid getting disqualified for unreasonable demands or behaviour in the workplace during this period. 

For many businesses, maintaining a certain staffing level is critical in order to survive and sprint to that finish line. Employers should have a set of simple workplace agreements in place before the starting gun goes off for the Olympic Games. These agreements can help ensure businesses remain productive while keeping staff happy too, which are key ingredients for a gold medal winning team lineup.”

Our Employment team summarises below the arrangements that employers and small businesses should have in place to cover any potential increase in requests during this period such as time off, sickness absence and website/TV use during working hours.

Time off

Employers may wish to implement a degree of increased flexibility when allowing employees time off during the Olympics. In the same breath, employees should remember that it may not always be possible to take holiday leave on their requested dates, particularly where demand for certain dates is high. The key is for both parties to try and come to an agreement. Employers must also remember that all requests for leave should be considered fairly, which includes adopting a uniform approach for holiday requests for other big sporting events, not just the Olympics.

Sickness absence

Employers may want to remind staff that their sickness and attendance policies will still apply during the Olympics. Unauthorised absences, patterns of absence or late attendance are likely to be investigated and may result in disciplinary proceedings.

Flexibility

Employers may want to implement a more flexible working day, such as allowing their employees to start work later, finish earlier or, in some instances, swap shifts with other employees.

Employers need to be fair and consistent when allowing additional benefits and flexibilities during the Olympics.

Use of social media and websites

There may be a considerable increase in the use of social media or websites covering the Olympics over the next few weeks. Employers may wish to remind staff of any policies on the use of social media and websites during working hours. The policies should clarify what is and is not acceptable for web use.

Contact us:

If you have any questions or would like support or further advice, please do not hesitate to contact the Employment Team below.