See etiquette rules to support the Cup without burning the film in the company

Brazil enters the field for another World Cup game this Friday (2), this time against Cameroon. The Brazilian team’s matchdays are not public holidays, but to avoid absences, many companies allow a moment of fraternization during match times.

Despite the festive atmosphere, care must be taken not to overdo the celebrations, which can cause embarrassment, end the moment of relaxation or even be grounds for dismissal.

For Daniel Rodrigues, Robert Half’s recruitment specialist, the rule of common sense must remain. “The professional has to remember that, at the end of the day, the relationship will remain professional.”

Can you celebrate? enjoy in moderation

The level of celebrations will largely depend on the corporate culture—more conservative environments may require more subdued celebrations.

Regardless of the level of openness of companies, celebrations that are too exaggerated are always dangerous, says Rodrigues. Climbing on tables, taking off your shirt, causing confusion, making disrespectful gestures and using profanity can be bad. Offenses, even if only verbal, can be grounds for dismissal for just cause.

According to Isis Borges, director of the recruitment company Talenses, these behaviors have a bad impact on the employee’s image that can be very difficult to reverse. This moment of trust given by management should be used, but in moderation.

Can you change the uniform for the national team shirt?

Some companies allow employees to change their uniforms for T-shirts with the colors of the Brazilian team on the day of the national team’s games. More formal environments or environments that require the use of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) may make an exception during game hours.

Some of these companies even create personalized uniforms with the colors of Brazil to be used on days when Brazil is on the field. This is the case of Companhia Müller de Bebidas, responsible for the production of Cachaça 51, which supplied employees with t-shirts that mimic the Brazilian mantle with the company’s visual identity.

In corporations that do not require the use of a uniform, wearing the national team shirt is not a reason for penalizing, but otherwise, the release must be expressly authorized, explains lawyer Fernanda Borges Darós, partner in the labor area at Silveiro Advogados.

Openness to dress code breaking is usually communicated through internal communications or bulletin boards. In cases of doubt, the direct leadership must be consulted.

Are bubbles allowed?

Since 2016, the STF (Federal Supreme Court) has determined that betting on sports competitions is not considered gambling and, therefore, the participation of employees in sweepstakes is not grounds for dismissal for just cause.

Darós explains that the employer, if he deems it necessary, can prohibit betting. If this does not happen, sweepstakes are allowed, as long as no employee is coerced into participating.

Are absences more tolerable on game day?

Borges explains that unexcused absences are frowned upon in any situation, which is no different during the World Cup. Unless it’s a holiday, the company has given time off or the employee is on vacation, the day will be work.

Companies create these moments of fraternization among employees precisely to prevent productivity from being compromised by competition. According to Darós, there is no law that obliges the employer to release the employee to watch the games. Therefore, delays or absences on that day may be penalized with a warning, suspension or dismissal.

Can behavior outside the company or at home office lead to punishment?

Darós explains that employee behavior outside the company can only lead to punishment if it harms the corporation’s image, so he recommends that employees be more careful with posts on social networks. If the employee has to return after the game, delays and drunkenness may also be punishable.

Employees who work from home should be aware that the rules for them are the same as those who are working in person.

Borges recommends that, regardless of whether they are inside or outside the company, employees who go to watch matches with other employees, do not neglect corporate etiquette and the respect cultivated in the work environment.