London enterprises maintained their progress amidst the Games
The 2012 London Olympics presented a unique challenge for businesses in the UK, with the government pledging to allow "significant numbers of people to work from home during the Games." This decision was backed by research, as Steve Seymour, technical director at Portal, stated that businesses that planned for remote working during the Olympics experienced the least disruption.
In the lead-up to the Games, Philip Hammond, then transport secretary, encouraged employers to consider allowing remote working. This advice was heeded by many, as a Confederation of British Industry (CBI) survey revealed that 50% of businesses nationally intended to allow their employees to work from home.
The primary technology that businesses invested in before the Olympics was email, a crucial tool for maintaining communication and productivity while working remotely. However, some businesses, despite having remote working capabilities, did not make email available for their employees before the requirement arose, which led to issues.
London mayor Boris Johnson was initially skeptical about remote working, describing it as a "skiver's paradise" on the eve of the Olympics. However, the Olympics provided an opportunity for businesses that may not have been ready for remote working to try it out.
During the Games, more than 60 million passengers used the Underground, a 30% increase from usual and more than at any time in its 150-year history. Despite this, the frequency of remote work in London was significantly higher compared to a usual peak workday.
Research by remote working consultancy Portal found that around half (48%) of businesses allowed employees to work from home during the Olympics. Remarkably, nearly two-thirds of these businesses found that their business continued with little or no drop in productivity while allowing remote working.
Tony Grace, chief operating officer of Virgin Media Business, predicts an increase in remote working in the future. In fact, more than half (60%) of employees are expected to work from home in the next decade, according to research by Virgin Media Business. This trend towards remote working is making it easier for employees to work from various locations.
Businesses that used remote working but didn't plan ahead experienced a significant drop in productivity during the Olympics. However, those businesses that planned to varying degrees, saw productivity continue and business as usual during the Olympics, according to Steve Seymour.
The Olympics provided a valuable lesson for businesses, demonstrating the importance of planning for remote working. It also offered an opportunity for businesses that may not have been ready for remote working to test their capabilities and prepare for the future. As the trend towards remote working continues, it is clear that businesses that invest in remote working capabilities will be better equipped to navigate future challenges.
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