Friday Funny: A Post-Super Bowl National Holiday?

According to 72 percent of human resources managers, the day after the big game should be a paid day off from work. That number might have been higher if they had known about the much-anticipated episode of “This Is Us” airing after Super Bowl LII.

After a late night of watching the Philadelphia Eagles take on the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII on February 4— and possibly over-indulging in the requisite snacks and drinks—should workers be given a paid day off Monday to recover?

Super Bowl LII
Photo: Minnesota Vikings

According to a new survey from staffing firm OfficeTeam, 72 percent of human resources managers say, “Yes!”

(That number might have been even higher if those managers had known about the much-anticipated episode of “This Is Us” — which promises to finally reveal the tragic fate of beloved Jack Pearson — scheduled to air immediately after the game.)

Considering 27 percent of employees admitted they’ve called in sick or made an excuse for skipping work following a major sporting event, and 32 percent have been tardy to the office the day after watching a big game, a paid day off after the Super Bowl may not be such a bad idea.

When asked, “On the day after which of the following major events, if it were on a weekday, would you most like to see a paid national holiday from work?” human resources managers had the following responses: Super Bowl, 72%; NBA Finals final game, 5%; Oscars, 2%; World Cup Final, 2%; Stanley Cup Finals, 2%; World Series final game, 1%; None of the above, 17%.*

“There’s understandably a lot of excitement both in and out of the office surrounding major sporting events,” said Brandi Britton, a district president for OfficeTeam. “It’s not always practical for organizations to give employees the day off after a big game, but allowing a little leeway in the morning could help. Companies can also organize activities beforehand to capitalize on the enthusiasm and build camaraderie.”

Additional findings:

  • Employees ages 18 to 34 (40 percent) and males (36 percent) have most frequently called in sick or made an excuse for skipping work after a major sporting event. Sixteen percent of women have done so.
  • Workers ages 18 to 34 (44 percent) and men (42 percent) were also most commonly late to the office the day following a big game. That compares to 20 percent of females.
  • Professionals claim they spend only 27 minutes each workday on sports-related activities, such as talking to colleagues and participating in informal competitions, before a popular event. Of all respondent groups, male employees and those ages 18 to 34 are most preoccupied by sports at the office (37 minutes and 35 minutes per day, respectively). Women average 15 minutes a day.
This Is Us Super Bowl LII
Photo: NBC

With this year’s powerful Super Bowl-“This Is Us” lineup, the combination of football and emotional hangover may be the final push the nation needs to make that post-game Monday a paid holiday. Get your chicken wings and your tissues ready (but you might want to skip the Crock-Pot chili this year).

*Responses do not total 100 percent due to rounding.