Survey predicts Olympic-inspired home working boom

With a month to go until the games open, a CBI survey of more than 250 London companies reveals that the majority are positive about the 2012 games, but some respondents are still nervous about their levels of preparedness.

The survey shows that 50 per cent of businesses intend to let their employees work from home during the games with 57 per cent planning to adapt their working hours, while 46 per cent of firms say they will allow employees to have time off to attend events.

Nearly all firms surveyed (92 per cent) think that hosting the Olympics and Paralympics will help to promote London internationally, a quarter of respondents expect their businesses to benefit directly from the events and two-thirds of companies (64 per cent) expect at least the same level of customer and business activity during the games.

Businesses were also surveyed on the positive effects of the games. Some three-quarters of respondents (76 per cent) think the Games will have a positive impact on regeneration and half (51 per cent) think they will help improve transport. Enhancing skill levels remains the area where firms think the Games will have the least impact (37 per cent).

Logistical challenge

While the number of businesses who feel confident about dealing with the transport and logistics issues during the games has risen by five per cent since last year to 37 per cent, the scale of the challenge is becoming increasingly clear, as 46 per cent are still nervous about their level of preparedness.

In terms of logistics planning during the games, 13 per cent of companies will stockpile supplies and 12 per cent will reduce deliveries. Although 80 per cent of respondents have not planned any special measures, 29 per cent are unsure of suppliers’ ability to get deliveries to them during the games period.

Sara Parker, CBI London Director, said it is crucial that all companies ensure they plan ahead, particularly for the transport and logistical challenges.

“It’s encouraging that many firms are already thinking about flexible working during the games, but with a huge influx of people expected in the capital in a matter of weeks, those who haven’t prepared need to turn their attention to this as a matter of urgency.”