And They Are Off: Will You Give Employees The Afternoon Off For Melbourne Cup?

The Melbourne Cup is Australia’s most famous horse racing event held on the first Tuesday of November every year. The event is widely considered as “the race that stops the nation”. Although it is a legal public holiday in Victoria only, it is observed by many workplaces across Australia as a chance to take time out or off work.

Some employers might argue that the loss in productivity is detrimental to the overall business and disruption to clients may look unprofessional, however, there are some benefits of allowing employees to take the afternoon off to celebrate the festivities.

• By allowing your team time away from work to attend events like a Melbourne Cup lunch, your team will benefit from bonding time together outside work, getting to know each other in a more casual environment. It is often a good team environment that encourages staff to stay in their jobs longer.

• A break from regular responsibilities can energise the team and provide a boost of motivation and innovation when they return to work

• Attending a team activity creates a feeling of camaraderie among your staff and may increase staff morale

• By offering additional benefits such as time off work for events, your employees will speak favourably about working at your business to others thus providing positive exposure for your business

If managed effectively so your clients and business are not affected, time out for a celebration can have a positive effect on your business and staff morale.