All great fun until hangover kicks in

A few drinks is to be expected, but too many won't go down well with the boss. Photo / Thinkstock

If you're planning a mid-week big one during the World Cup, don't expect much sympathy from your employer.

There are more than 20 games during the group stages where people will face work the next morning.

But Bruce Goldsworthy, acting chief executive of the Employers and Manufacturers Association, says employees know the score if they can't do their job.

"Most employees will take their job seriously, if they don't turn up they won't expect to get paid," he said.

However, the good news, according to Mr Goldsworthy, is that employers are likely to take a common sense approach, with plenty of give and take.

"I don't think it's going to be a huge issue. Trading conditions are difficult, I think employees and employers recognise that and I think they will be largely responsible."

That view is not shared by some, however. One Auckland engineer, who asked not to be named, said he planned on having a big night regardless of whether he had work the next day, although he did not expect any sympathy from his employer.

"We probably won't be hosting a World Cup again so may as well make the most out of it," he said. A report released earlier this year showed a connection between winning games and celebratory drinking.

Sports dietitian Dane Baker, who works with the Chiefs rugby team and the New Zealand Academy of Sport, said there was no set timeframe when recovering from a hangover, although some studies suggested it could take up to 48 hours.

"That is similar to how long is a piece of string?" Mr Baker said. "Key things that can help are eating before and while drinking to slow the absorption of alcohol. Drinking non-alcoholic beverages while you drink and also afterwards will help to rehydrate."

Some are planning a cautious approach. An Auckland teacher, who did not want to be identified, said: "I think it will be a bit suspicious if you always have Monday as a sick day.

"From my experience, if you go out on a work night you're going to have a bad day. You're basically having two factors go against you - tiredness and dehydration.

"As for the Sunday night games I'm going to, there won't be much drinking, that's for sure."

HOW TO COPE
* Don't drink ... or drink moderately.
* Match alcoholic drinks with a glass of water.
* A painkiller and antacid pill in the morning.
* Tea or coffee can perk you up (but can dehydrate you as well, so keep up the water).
* Bananas, cereal, or egg on toast are all good morning-after snacks.
* Never booze while hungover - it prolongs the agony.