Should employers offer FIFA flexibility on match days? Here’s what an HR expert says

Your Morning Vancouver speaks to career expert Debby Carreau about whether employers should allow FIFA fans to watch at work.

A growing number of Canadians are catching FIFA World Cup fever—and with many matches taking place on weekdays, watching and working are coming into conflict.

But what should companies do when their employees are preoccupied with soccer?

Debbie Carreau, human resources expert and author, argued it’s wise for employers to embrace the Beautiful Game, at least when it’s feasible to do so.

“Have watch parties, have some fun with people wearing jerseys from the country they’re supporting,” she said. “Embrace workplace engagement.”

Carreau pointed to research estimating the 2026 World Cup could cost employers $17 billion in lost productivity globally—partly due to workers showing up late, leaving early or playing hooky.

That’s risky behaviour with so many people posting social media videos from the FIFA Fan Festival, the Granville Street Pedestrian Zone and other venues, making it easier than ever to catch someone red-handed.

Carreau noted there’s also a chance of being recorded on a TV broadcast related to the tournament, potentially even at a busy bar.

“We’ve seen people that are down at Kits Beach at the beginning of the summer and they get caught on TV when they’ve called in sick,” she said.

“There’s a very real risk that you might get terminated. At the very least, you’re going to have a boss that’s looking at you very differently.”

Carreau suggested workers use a flex day instead, or ask to leave early if they can make up the time another day—something she argued employers would be wise to accommodate.

Being rigid when it’s not totally necessary is when “you’re starting to see people call in sick” or “trying to sneak-watch on their phone,” she said.

“The reality is you still have to go and catch up on your work afterwards—so employers should embrace it and get the credit for being a great employer.”