How Employers are Accommodating the London 2012 Olympic Games

The London Olympics are fast on their way, and many employers will now be turning their attentions to how they will deal with the event in the workplace. As well as a need to accommodate employees who may want to watch the Olympics, employers will also need to think about the logistics – particularly if they work in London or other areas that are likely to see increased traffic and pressure on public transport systems as a result of the Olympics travel.

Here are some of the ways in which employers can act to accommodate the Olympics.

Flexible working practices

The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development recently carried out a survey that suggests many managers are willing to allow greater levels of flexibility for their employees during the Olympic period. For example, 17% are planning to allow flexible working while another 13% are planning to allow their employees to work from home.

One option that some employers might like to take advantage of is to implement alternative shifts during the Olympics so that employees do not have to travel to and from work during peak travel times. For instance, instead of the normal 9-5, offering workers the option of an earlier shift (such as 8-4) or a later one (such as 11-7) could help to ease some of the burden on the transport system while lessening the likelihood of employees being held up travelling to work.

Other employers might find that allow their staff to work from home on the busiest days is another good option. Of course, not all employers will be able to take advantage of flexibility such as this. Public transport workers, for example, are likely to be in more demand than ever, as are certain public and private sector roles. However, for those who do have the option, it could be a good solution.

Offering unpaid leave or make office provision

Something else employers might like to consider is offering employees unpaid leave so that they can watch key Olympic events. If the leave is unpaid, it will force employees to think carefully before they take the decision to have time off, but it will still accommodate those who want to do so.

Also, since the Olympics is so popular and there are certain key events that most people love to watch, another option for employers is to make provision in the office so that everyone can watch together. You never know, everyone crowding around a TV in the office could even prove to be a great morale exercise, as well as a once in a lifetime opportunity to watch the Games in your home country.