We’ve had Euro 2012 and Wimbledon but over the next couple of weeks the biggest sporting event in the world is coming to town.  As a business owner you will be aware of this, however have you taken the time to consider how this may affect your business?

A lot of your employees will want to watch the Olympic events and this may affect attendance formally through official requests for leave and possibly unofficial absence and sickness. You will need to manage this and ensure that it has a minimal impact on your business. Below are a few suggestions that may be of help:

1) Be flexible.

*  Consider flexible hours for your staff during this period.  For example, they agree to work ‘core hours’ during the day, but choose to start of finish earlier so they are able to watch their chosen event.

*  It it is flexible to do so, encourage your staff to swap shifts.

*  Allows staff less interested in the events to work overtime (or to accrue time off in lieu) to cover the absence of their colleagues.

2) Consider how you could ensure that your staff are able to watch key events whilst at work by offering special screening on your premises (but do ensure you a TV License for this).

3) Consider how increased traffic as a result of the events may impact staff attendance and time keeping. This again means that it may be worth allowing a measure of flexibility in the start and finish time for some employees and even the opportunity to work from home.

4) Whilst being as flexible as possible, make sure that staff are clear on the process for taking time off and that they are aware of the consequences of taking time off without prior authorisation.

You will need to monitor the situation on an ongoing basis.  It’s also worth seeing the Olympics as a  positive opportunity for learning more about staff and their interests.