The World Cup – it all kicks off today – will you be watching at work in Locks Heath?

The first match of the World Cup is South Africa vs. Mexico today – will you be watching at work in Locks Heath?

You have to admit it is a temptation for many. Games will be on at 12.30pm and 3pm for the next two weeks, and almost all workplaces now have broadband. Even if they don’t many of us have access to broadband via a Smartphone, so it would be relatively easy to sneak a peep at the action when noone’s looking.

What is your company’s policy on watching the matches? Have they made it clear? Are they screening the England games but no other ones? (What if you’re not an England fan?!) If you watch a game in office time will you have to make up the time later?

According to a survey by ISP Eclipse, 54 percent of us working Brits are planning to watch the World Cup on their work computer. However live streamed content uses a lot of bandwidth which could have a serious impact on an internet connection. It could take much longer to download important files or use business-critical applications such as e-commerce sites, email or online backup.

On June 23rd England plays Slovenia during the week. How do you think this may impact on networks?!

And what if your company is allowing everyone to watch the match without having to make up the time - but you hate football?

The TUC has urged employers to let staff watch televised games, either at home or in the office in an effort to reduce the number of ‘unauthorised absences’ – commonly known as ‘sickies’!

It may be a very difficult time for smaller companies who cannot afford to let their workforce take the time off.

The World Cup only comes around every four years. I’m not a big footy fan but this is different. It’s a chance to show my patriotism and join in with the team spirit along with almost three quarters (71%) of UK adults – including 60% of women.*

Fingers crossed.

*MINTEL