Employees of Manchester United, a professional football club, are being offered an early bonus in exchange for their departure. The Club had made it mandatory for employees to return to the workplace. Employees were then instructed that if they did not intend to comply with the directive, they should quit immediately, which would qualify them for an early bonus. Even staff who work full-time from the office can resign and get the bonus, which they would have gotten later this year in September.
Why is this a compelling offer? Some employees may receive four-figure bonuses. Employees have been given until June 5, 2024 to make an educated decision.
Clarifying that this is not a voluntary redundancy plan, United has communicated to personnel that working from the office is vital for success and will benefit the club as a whole. And, because it knows and respects that not everyone wants to return to the office full-time, it gives employees the option to depart.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the Club’s 27.7% minority owner, has already admitted to the need to implement 100% work-from-office and a workforce reduction. He disapproved of the additional e-mail traffic caused by working from home.
Staff members have been informed that office space will be developed to accommodate everyone comfortably, in addition to the stadium’s existing areas.
