Melbourne's historic hosting of an NFL regular-season game at the Melbourne Cricket Ground had a much bigger impact on local workplaces than many businesses expected, with new data showing a significant increase in employee absenteeism around the event.

The match attracted major attention across Melbourne and brought large numbers of visitors and sports fans into the city. While the event delivered a substantial economic boost, businesses also faced unexpected staffing challenges as more employees than usual failed to attend scheduled shifts.

Workplace data analysed following the event showed absenteeism increased by 52 per cent on the day of the NFL game compared with a typical Friday. More than one in six scheduled employees did not attend work, compared with the usual rate of approximately one in nine workers missing their shifts.

Retail businesses were among the sectors most affected. The data indicated that absenteeism in retail increased by around 55 per cent during the event. Workers in industries including automotive, electronics and gyms were also among those more likely to miss scheduled shifts.

The effect was not limited to the day of the match. Elevated absenteeism continued through the weekend, creating additional pressure for businesses that rely heavily on casual and rostered employees. Hospitality and service businesses were particularly exposed because the city experienced a large increase in visitors and demand during the event period.

The situation created an unusual contrast for Melbourne businesses. On one hand, the NFL event generated substantial economic activity, increased visitor numbers and helped fill accommodation and hospitality venues. On the other hand, some businesses struggled to ensure they had enough workers available to serve customers.

Hotels reportedly reached occupancy levels of up to 92 per cent, highlighting the strong demand created by visitors travelling to Melbourne for the event. The weekend was also associated with an estimated $300 million in spending across the city.

However, higher visitor spending did not automatically translate into easier operating conditions for businesses. Accommodation providers and other service businesses faced staffing shortages at a time when demand was unusually high. Shifts worked in the accommodation sector fell significantly during the event period, adding to the pressure created by increased customer numbers.

Overall shift work across the week of the event fell by approximately 7.3 per cent. The figures demonstrate how major sporting events can have complex effects on local economies, producing both strong consumer spending and workforce challenges at the same time.

For Melbourne, the NFL game was an important moment for the city's international sporting profile. Hosting a major American football event at the MCG attracted fans and visitors and provided businesses with an opportunity to benefit from increased activity.

The latest workplace figures, however, show that businesses also need to prepare carefully for the operational effects of major events. Large crowds can increase customer demand while simultaneously affecting employee availability, particularly when an event takes place on a normal working day.

The experience provides Melbourne businesses with useful information for future major sporting events. Better workforce planning, additional staffing and flexible rosters could help businesses manage similar periods of unusually high demand.

The NFL event therefore delivered a mixed result for Melbourne workplaces: a major boost in tourism and spending, but also a noticeable rise in staff absenteeism and pressure on businesses trying to keep services operating during one of the city's biggest recent sporting occasions.