A couple of weeks ago we blogged about getting your business ready for the Olympics by allowing greater staff flexibility – and a new survey has revealed that over half of firms are willing to do precisely that.

Research released by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) shows that just over half of employers have plans in place to be more compassionate to their workforce at a time when many staff will want to get involved in the sporting event or could face disruption caused by the Olympics.

The study discovered that…

– Nearly three in 10 employers will attempt to successfully accommodate requests from staff to enable them to work from home.

– Some 13% will encourage staff to work from home.

– A total of 17% will extend flexible working opportunities.

– Nearly a third (31%) of employers will bring TVs into the workplace.

– Just over one in ten (11%) are happy for staff to watch Olympic events online.

Rebecca Clake, Research Adviser at CIPD, said: “There are a range of options available to employers to enable them to balance the requirements of the business with the interests and needs of employees.

“Options such as flexi-time and home working can enable employees in parts of the country likely to face travel disruption as a result of the Olympics to spend their time working rather than stuck in traffic jams or adding to the pressure likely to be faced by our public transport system.

“Of course some employers, for example, those providing public transport, will face additional demands during the Olympics and will have to manage their workforces carefully to ensure there are sufficient staff to deliver services. Our survey shows 35% of public sector employers are planning to restrict leave during the Olympics to cope with this challenge.

“The key for employers is to plan ahead, set out clearly what the organisation’s approach is and the rationale behind this and then apply it consistently.”

To help companies to plan ahead for events such as the London Olympics and Euro 2012, CIPD has issued guidance on sporting events and absence management, which is well worth a read.