Latest survey reveals that an estimated 10.7 million United States employees say that they plan to ditch work on Monday to watch the long-awaited series finale of “Game of Thrones.” However, absences may just be part of the problem for employers, as about 27.2 million employees said that the season finale could as well cause them to miss work, show up late, work from home or also be less productive than they would on a normal Monday.
And while employers may be tempted to chastise workers who experience “Game of Thrones” hangovers, any attempt to openly accept the massive television event could definitely have a positive effect on office morale.
Joyce Maroney, executive director at the Workforce Institute said, “What do we say to the God of Absence? Not today – or at least organizations can if they embrace, not avoid, a cultural phenomenon like the ‘Game of Thrones’ series finale. Empower employees with flexible schedules and the ability to request time off or swap shifts from anywhere, at any time so they can enjoy moments that matter in their lives, and don’t be shy to use pop culture common ground to build camaraderie with employees and managers.”
According to poll data, the final season of “Game of Thrones” has broken to pieces, HBO viewership records, and that trend will no doubt continue for the finale. About 34 per cent of all employed U.S. adults plans to watch the live broadcast.
The Workforce Institute conducted the survey in partnership with Harris Poll. The online survey asked questions of 1,090 employed U.S. adults aged 19 and older from May 7 to May 9. The firm said its percentages are based on the survey results and U.S. census data.