Country comes to a standstill when Oranje play

Friday, 11 June 2010

During the World Cup games of Oranje the Netherlands comes to a complete standstill. The economy will be halted for two hours when Holland play. But for local business that will not be a disaster; the tournament offers plenty possibilities to make extra money.

Whole streets have turned orange for the tournament

Deserted motorways, empty shopping streets en employees gathering around TV-sets. Experts think that will be the scene in this country during Holland's afternoon games, starting next Monday when they face Denmark. Behavioral economist Floris Heukelom of the Radboud Universiteit Nijmegen doesn't fear serious consequences for the economy though. "Of course there are are direct costs springing from the fact Oranje are playing. With many companies the workforce will not work for two hours. That will cost the employers."

But Heukelom also sees a positive effect. "When we win, employees will be happy and prepared to work harder. On top there will be a feeling of solidarity on the work floor. People will be happy that their boss allowed them to watch the game and they'll be more productive because of it."

Workforce monitors 'Arboned' will follow sick leave closely, but they don't expect any problems. "Usually it's not all that bad, because arrangements have been agreed to. Calling in sick when there's a game is mighty suspicious of course," says Linda van den Bergh of Arboned.

She knows many people have taken the day off. "These will be quiet hours". And that will benefit those on the motorways. "The rush hour will be very calm on Monday," says Edwin Gerritsen of Dutch motorists union ANWB.

Schools may decide for themselves whether they cancel classes, watch the games in class or follow class as usual. The Education Inspector says that the only condition is that schools stick to the mandatory amount of class hours for the year.