So the UEFA European Championship is finally underway with a 2-1 win for France against Romania. No don't over the coming weeks the talk of football win permeate your office or place of work. But what is the workplace etiquette when a major football tournament like the World Cup or European Championship is on? Exactly what are the office dos and don'ts when Euro 2016 in on? We list our top tips and dos and dont's to enjoy the football without coming across as a football-crazed idiot.
Do - Buy into the sweepstake
Even if you have zero interest in football buying a ticket in the office football sweepstake is all part of the fun of a major football tournament. Just thank your lucky stars that you picked France, Germany, Spain or Italy and not Austria, Switzerland or England.
Don't - Place bets on during office hours
Following the game via a betting web site and placing bets on the number of shots in the first half or the minute the first goal is scored means you're not on task with what you should be doing at work. So be professional and either place bets during your lunch time away from work or on your way home.
Do - Be patriotic
Change your screensaver or wear a scarf sporting your football team's colours to work. Demonstrating who yo're supporting adds to the office 'banter'. Especially if your team and a colleagues plays each other in the knockout stages.
Don't - Wear a full kit to the office
Work is a place for serious business. It isn't a Sunday morning kick-about with mates. And as such you should wear appropriate clothing, even on dress-down Fridays. So leave the national shirt and shorts at home, unless you take them in a bag to change into after work for a game of 5-a-side or to wear down the local pub.
Do - Watch the game at the pub with co-workers after work
Tournament football is a fantastic opportunity to site down with a cool pint and colleagues to cheer on your team. This not only builds team spirit between co-workers, but it also allows you to enjoy the company of people you perhaps don't often talk to during a normal day at the office.
Don't - Watch the game live on BBC iPlayer
Unless work stops to cheer your national team, don't sit back on watch the game live on your mobile, tablet or PC. A typical game is at least 90 minutes long, which is a sizable chunk out of your working day.
Do - Have a pint after work
When you go out with colleagues for a little team bonding over the game is it good to let your hair down and order a pint. Alcohol is a social lubricant and as such it will alow you to enjoy their company even more.
Don't - Get drunk and make a fool of yourself
Flirting with the secretary, accountant or office temp isn't a smart move - you'll see them again the next day at work. So, enjoy a drink but don't get carried away and over do it, especially if the boss goes to. You should always remain under control and professional in front of the person that pays the wages.
Do - Watch the highlights when you get home
Watching the highlights at home on Match of the Day is great. The show is on every night for a month. And besides, its the highlights; the best bits, shots and goals from an overwise ordinary 90 minutes condensed into 10 minutes. What is there not to like.
Don't - Stay at home when your team is playing during working hours
Some games will be played at 2 pm when you're still at work. That is the nature of tournament football. But this is NOT an excuse to call in sick and lie to the boss just to stay at home or go to the local to watch the game. Your boss will be on to you and they won't be happy.
