Surviving the Monday After

No sleep, no problem, right? On the workday immediately following the Super Bowl, employees typically function on nachos and regret. And they’re just the ones who make it into the office: Due to Super Bowl festivities, a whopping 16% of workers plan to simply stay home on February 9th, according to figures from UKG—much to the chagrin of their non-sports-fan colleagues. 

Low productivity is a serious issue for leaders on the day following the big game. Most of them are caught between intense workplace demands, employees who really want to blow off some steam, and their own level of Super Bowl interest. Experts don’t blame revelers, and instead point to a widespread US policy weakness. “In other countries, it’s popular to shut down around a soccer match that’s really big,” says Shanda Mints, vice president of AI strategy and transformation at Korn Ferry. But not in America! As a result, the Monday after the game is filled with the fury of those whose team lost, the glee of those whose team won, the distraction of those who love sharing ad clips, the judgment of those assessing clips of the halftime show, and the quiet rage of the many who just don’t care. Here’s how managers can best manage the day.

Acknowledge the issue now.

Many firms already offer flexibility where possible—for instance, by allowing workers to swap shifts, work later hours, or move around deadlines. Experts advise managers to reschedule big meetings and challenging tasks, and let game talk happen early and often, especially during the first 20 minutes of morning meetings. “Allow people to bring who they are to work,” says Mints.

Remember that it’s good for business.

Sure, workplace attendance may be low, but Super Bowl Monday is an exceedingly valuable day in many industries: In media and social media, engagement is often through the roof, and in retail, everyone from Bad Bunny fans to aspirin purchasers keeps the tills ringing. Meanwhile, grocery stores are busily restocking after the second-biggest food-consumption day after Thanksgiving.

Consider working remotely.

You’ll be in good company: An estimated 26.2 million workers plan to be at home recovering, according to the annual UKG Super Bowl Fever Absenteeism Survey. At least you’ll be productive. “The fact that folks can work from home in many cases curtails what you see in the office,” says Dennis Deans, global human resources business partner at Korn Ferry.

Get in the spirit.

Perhaps this is the year to relax and enjoy the high spirits. Who among us doesn’t need to blow off some steam? “There’s a lot of tumult in the world,” says Kate Shattuck, managing partner at Korn Ferry. “Let ‘em have a good time. Show some grace.” 

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