With a packed calendar of major sporting events this summer, it’s safe to say many of your employees will have one eye on the scores. From Wimbledon to the Women’s Rugby World Cup, the Lions tour to The Hundred, sport brings people together and can just as easily pull attention away from the day job.

Handled well, the summer of sport can be a fantastic opportunity for team bonding and employee engagement. Handled poorly, it can lead to a spike in sick days, disruption, and a dip in morale for those covering workloads.

Why it matters to employers

Research shows that major sporting events have a real impact on workplaces across the UK:

• 40% of employees say they would consider taking a sick day to watch a key match
• During the 2016 Euros, 35% of workers expected the tournament to cause more absence than Wimbledon and the Olympics combined
• One estimate put the cost of the England vs. Wales match alone at £269 million in unauthorised leave in 2016
• Globally, the 2014 World Cup saw an estimated 131 million working days lost to sport-related absences.

That’s not to say employers need to crack down or ban screens. In fact, many unauthorised absences are rooted in poor flexibility. 19% of employees said they would take a full day off if flexible options weren’t available.

Turning Sporting Disruption into a Positive

The best approach? Embrace the moment and plan ahead. Here are some easy, low-cost ways to make sports a team win, not a workplace headache:

• Display a sports calendar in the break room or staff newsletter so everyone knows what’s coming.
• Televising big matches (where appropriate) or offering extended lunch breaks can go a long way in building trust.
• Run a workplace sweepstake for friendly competition.
• Encourage staff to wear their favourite team’s jersey or host a themed food day—strawberries and cream, anyone?
• Get active with step challenges inspired by Wimbledon court coverage or rugby tour distances.
• Share team highlights on internal channels and encourage everyone to join in.

And perhaps most importantly, consider flexible working during key events. Allowing people to adjust their hours, finish early, or catch up later can prevent last-minute sick calls and keep your team feeling respected and included.

The Takeaway

Sport is part of our culture, and your employees are likely fans. Recognising that and planning with a bit of creativity can turn a summer of potential disruption into a season of team spirit and engagement.

By being a reasonable and engaged employer, you not only limit unauthorised absence but also show your team you understand what matters to them. Used well, summer sport can be a fantastic bonding opportunity and a real boost to morale.

After all, sport brings people together. Why not use it to bring your team closer together?