Lie-ins after matches and office viewings are among the ways Norfolk businesses are coping with World Cup fever.

As England's bid for a final place gathers momentum and national interest in the team and the tournament reaches fever pitch, businesses are being advised to make concessions for sports fans in their workplaces.

The TUC has said businesses should not refuse staff requests for flexible working during the tournament, saying managers should allow people to work from home, start early or late or even provide a TV on the premises to show matches.

General secretary Frances O'Grady – an England and Arsenal supporter – said such sporting events could be 'great for building camaraderie', but warned employers: 'Do not score an own goal by acting like killjoys.'

– In Castle Mall in Norwich, a 'Football Parlour' has opened on level one by Blue Inc. with two foosball tables, World Cup flags and a World Cup wall chart. The centre hopes it will operate like its 'Ping Pong Parlour', with people encouraged to play for free.

– Payment systems designer Epos Now in Norwich has devised a particularly unappetising prize for the loser in its World Cup sweepstake – eating a pickled egg.

– Ipswich-based recruitment agency Jark hosted members of the local construction industry at a viewing of England's match against Belgium on June 28 at Isaacs on the Quay. Representatives from around 20 East Anglian companies attend the event, which Jark Ipswich boss Jamie Wingrave hoped would capitalise on 'World Cup fever' and provide good networking opportunities.

– Norwich accountancy firm Farnell Clarke is allowing staff a lie-in after any England match. In an extension of its flexi-time policy, staff will be allowed up to 11am to make it into the office. It also plans to screen a match or two in its in-house pub The Tax and Pounds with beer and pizza.

– At Centrum on Norwich Research Park, the matches will be shown on big screens on the ground floor, with nachos and beer available.

– Smart home technology provider Customised in Loddon took World Cup fever to the Royal Norfolk Show, where its stand in the Buy Local Norfolk marquee featured a wide screen TV, Sonos sound system and a sofa to watch the games on, as well as astro turf and corner flags. In true English sports-watching style, beer was also be available via Sir Toby's Beers.