The World Cup And Productivity

When Italian auto workers were told they couldn't watch the World Cup on the job they went on strike--a half hour before game time. Brazil closes schools and patients put off elective surgery during matches. The World Cup is the world's most watched sporting event and since it only comes around once every four years, naturally people want to be able to tune in to the games. One study suggests Germany will lose $8 billion in productivity during the month long tournament. Surveys in Britain predict output losses of $1.5 billion to $2.3 billion. In the Netherlands, whose team knocked out Brazil in the quarter finals, the entire country's quitting time was unofficially moved forward to 1 p.m. on Friday so fans could watch the game. The World Cup is not an economic drain, however. It boosts consumer spending for things like fan paraphernalia, party supplies and electronics such as wide-screen televisions. Want to share YOUR story with our dynamic and rapidly growing audience? Click

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