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No matter who wins the Super Bowl, Philadelphia businesses are gearing up for the influx of sick calls, late starts, and time-off requests that are sure to follow Sunday’s game.
Philadelphia-based FMC Corp., known for its distinctive tower in University City, takes the long view on Monday’s fallout. “If that’s the price we pay for winning the Super Bowl, then we’ll pay it every time,” spokesman Ken Gedaka said.
Philadelphia isn’t unusual. The Monday after the Super Bowl is so much less productive nationally that if last year’s absentee numbers hold, it could cost the economy $3 billion, according to a recent study from Challenger, Gray & Christmas.
While FMC, which said 90 percent of its employees were wearing green Friday, does not have an official policy for events like the Super Bowl, the global lithium miner and pesticide maker will accommodate employees coming in late Monday morning, and even support anyone who wishes to attend a potential parade later in the week.
“If it’s a big win and people are up celebrating, we’re not so worried about people coming in later,” Gedaka said. “Our big focus is making sure employees are safe when they’re out celebrating.”
At least one school, William Penn Charter, will operate on a two-hour delay schedule, according to the head of school, Darryl J. Ford.
Other employers, especially hospitals and emergency services, are more focused on keeping business as usual.
Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals and Temple University Hospitals, which might have to contend with unruly fans whether the Eagles win or lose, have measures in place to ensure they’re properly staffed, spokesmen for both hospitals said.
Main Line Health hospitals do not anticipate major spikes based on emergency department admissions for Super Bowls in prior years, spokeswoman Megan Call said.
Aramark — which partners with the Eagles, manages U.S. Bank Stadium, and has an exclusive NFL retail contract for the Super Bowl — plans to open business as usual Monday in its Philadelphia headquarters, but employees are welcome to use their paid time off or vacation time, said spokeswoman Karen Cutler.
Mutual-fund company Vanguard also offers paid time off to employees, and will serve clients from its offices in D.C., North Carolina and Arizona if its Philadelphia employees are less productive due to the game.
Independence Blue Cross plans to announce details Monday about a possible parade celebration in the case of an Eagles win, according to chief operating officer Yvette Bright.
There’s lots of excitement for a parade, but what happens if the Eagles fall short?
“They’re not going to lose, so I can’t really comment on a potential loss,” FMC’s Gedaka said.
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