Will it be a sporting decade of absence or engagement?

Major sporting events are often accompanied by predictions of increased staff absence. They are seen as a cause of disengagement with work and reduced productivity. The latest is 'Flintoff flu' caught by watching Freddie’s last test as the Ashes series reaches its climax at the Oval.

The so called golden decade of sport is going to provide a succession of these challenges throughout the UK until the Cricket World Cup in England in 2019. Who knows, there may even be some BBQ summers.

But is it only about absence? A number of other HR policies must also be fit and ready. For example approaches to flexible working, annual leave, flexible benefits and staff facilities will all contribute to an employer’s approach.

And isn’t there an upside? World class sporting events are associated with tremendous bursts of common enthusiasm, interest and enjoyment. A lot of people will have a lot of positive energy. There will be multiple opportunities for community involvement through say volunteering in addition to any direct business benefits.

Having so many championships in the UK over a prolonged period will provide a great setting to develop and imbed world class employee engagement strategies that embrace the potential for business and community benefits, the passion of the fans and of course the horror and sheer lack of interest that some colleagues will be feeling about the whole thing.

So, who has the diary?

The Department of Culture, Media & Sport published a list of events at the start of 2009. See also for example UK Sport.