Culture Employers lose possession of the working day as World Cup kicks off Bosses face a familiar dilemma: clamp down on absenteeism or accept productivity is about to take a 39-day penalty iStock.com/Anton Vierietin Image John van der Luit-Drummond Editor-in-Chief Friday 12 June 2026 As World Cup fever grips the globe, multinational employers have been warned of a likely spike in last-minute leave requests, productivity dips, and a host of other workplace headaches as football Get AccessContinue reading International Employment LawyerAlready have access? Login now Email Enter your email address. Password Enter the password that accompanies your email address. Reset your passwordLog in Need access? Find out how to enjoy unlimited accessGet access You might also like... Culture Why saying “Well done!” might stop your best staff from walking Sick Leave German government considers wage deductions to curb sick leave abuse Flexibility Hybrid working touted as cure for global birthrate slump Sick Leave Spain launches government body to tackle sky high absenteeism rates