The Football World Cup kicks off in just over a week in Brasil and football fans across the globe will be glued to their television screens for the next few weeks watching all the action as it unfolds.

Matches will be kicking off UK time from 5pm until late into the evening, so some fans will be lapping up the atmosphere until the early hours, which may have a knock-on effect with work the following day.

We have been asking local businesses how this festival of football will affect them...

Guy Jones, NatWest director of commercial banking, Cardiff and East Wales, based in Newport

The World Cup always causes high emotions and will raise issues for employers. While absence can be an issue there is also the opportunity for some goodwill toward staff and the opportunity to network with local businesses while enjoying key games. My four top tips would be to:

1. Know your Team - who is likely to ask for time off, noting different nationalities of staff and match timings.

2. Have a Game Plan - the best teams plan ahead. Look at the fixture list and anticipate demands for an early finish - the England match on June 24 may require some flexibility across staff. Maybe an early start and finish.

3. Maintain Team Discipline - Rules are rules as far as holidays, sickness absence, racial bullying and harassment are concerned. And be fair to all staff if concessions are made to some.

4 Post Match Analysis - If things don't go to plan then reflect on why, address the issues and seek professional support such as employment law specialists or natwestmentor.co.uk

Nikki Thomas, HR officer, HardingEvans Solicitors, Newport

As a firm we have considered approaches to help employees enjoy the matches which are important to them without compromising the needs of the business.

We will encourage employees to use annual leave, particularly to discourage general absenteeism and lateness caused by over-indulgence! However, we haven’t received an influx of leave requests that coincide with the fixtures as yet and don’t envisage the World Cup to be a disruption to the business as we find the staff at HE are very conscientious and committed to their roles. Historically we have never suffered with high levels of absenteeism –linked to sporting events or otherwise.

Ross Porter, owner, Clear Sky Recruitment, Blackwood

There is no doubt that the Brazil 2014 World Cup will not affect my business as much as it would have done if Wales had qualified for the tournament. I am personally looking forward to watching the matches, however, I won’t be leaving the office early to catch the 5pm kick-offs, therefore, I wouldn’t expect anyone else to. We will be running a sweepstake in the office as exercises like that always helps to build and maintain the morale of the team. The World Cup is a great sporting event and I look forward to the day that Wales qualify for the tournament.

Robert Twigg, Everett Tomlin Lloyd & Pratt, Newport and Pontypool

If staff at ETLP arrive late or leave early because of the football that will be fine as long as they make up the time. However, our managing partner Ashley Harkus assures me that had Wales qualified, there would have been absolutely no requirement whatsoever to make up time lost through watching Wales matches. Any member of staff who is depressed when England are knocked out will simply be told to pull themselves together. Well it’s not as if it’s Wales and the rugby world cup, is it?

Luke Welsh, head of employment law, Howells Solicitors, Newport

Big events such as the World Cup can cause headaches for businesses, especially for the HR department. With the prospect of some employees partaking in the odd alcoholic beverage while watching the games and considering some matches aren’t kicking off until 11pm due to the time difference, it isn’t a surprise that a recent statistic has suggested that nearly one in 10 employees would consider calling in sick during the World Cup. Even if individuals do make it to work, businesses need to be mindful that some may still be under the influence of alcohol, which is in itself a health and safety concern, but also that productivity may be severely affected. As such, some employers may want to review whether they can offer flexi time during these periods or encourage those planning to watch the game to consider taking the following day off as annual leave. Alternatively, events such as the World Cup can also act as a morale boost for business – I myself will certainly be putting in my £2 for the office sweepstake (although hopefully I don’t get Australia like I did in 2010!).

Sarah Telford, solicitor at QualitySolicitors Rubin Lewis O'Brien, Cwmbran

Businesses which don’t usually offer flexi-time may wish to consider being flexible during the World Cup if staff wish to come into work late or finish early to watch the games, provided their business can facilitate it and it doesn’t adversely affect the rest of the workforce. Offering such flexibility could build morale - and a happy workforce means more productivity overall. However, remember that businesses have no legal obligation to offer flexible working in these circumstances and if staff take time off without authorisation, they could be subject to disciplinary action.