Flexible Work Hours For London 2012?

A third of UK companies are set to increase flexible working hours to allow staff to watch the Olympic and Paralympics Games in London next year.

According to research from the business advisory firm Deloitte, 32% of respondents claimed they would be happy for staff to take time out to watch live events during the Games, as long as the hours were made up at the start or end of the working day.

The research also claims that 44% of companies will encourage staff to attend the Games, while 42% plan to install screen for staff to watch live events unfold.

Heather Hancock, London 2012 lead partner at Deloitte, said: ‘It is encouraging to see businesses thinking ahead about the potential impact the Games could have on their day-to-day operations. We know the period of the Olympic and Paralympic Games will not be business as usual, especially in London’.

The Games will have a huge impact on commuters during the event, and 30% of respondents said they would be more understanding if staff had difficulty getting into work during that time.

Stevan Rolls, head of HR at Deloitte added: ‘Of course, it will be essential for companies to find the right balance and ensure there is no impact on client service levels’.

Tickets for the Games go on sale on Tuesday this week.