Employers and Employees Cheering Together

Since June 11, the world is watching one of the biggest sporting events – the SOCCER WORLD CUP, this year being hosted in South Africa.

The Soccer World Cup, wich happens with a four years interval, is a passion to millions of people around the world. Brazil was 5 times champion (1958,1962,1970,1994,2002) of the SOCCER WORLD CUP. Most Brazilians are natural fanatic about soccer, and this is one of the most expected events.

I received e-mails from friends living in other countries, asking about how companies here in Brazil deal with the games happening during work hours. In Brazilian time zone, most games happen at 8:30 AM, 11:00AM or at 3:30PM.

In Brazil employers are very flexible with the employees when the Brazilian team is playing, and here is what is happening :

- Employers set up TVs in the company's offices, so all employees can watch together the Brazilian games. Employees at all levels cheering together with the same objective - win the game, is also a great opportunity for improving interpersonal relationship and teamwork.
- Employees are free to dress casually and wear Brazilian gear.
- When games start at 3:30PM, some companies allow their employees to go home, so they can watch the game with their family and friends.
- Most of the time, employers will not request employees to make up for the time they stop to watch the game.

Ronaldo Costa Pinto