Bosses Think 2012 Olympics Will be Beneficial
With the Olympics fast approaching it is a nervous time for businesses around the land. As a Londoner the impending traffic chaos is already beginning to be felt and there may clearly be issues around employees preferring to tune into the Games than do their work.
However, new research suggests that nearly 1 in 4 bosses believe the Games will be a clear source of good for the workplace.
The Games, which start on the 27th July will see the worlds best athletes descend on London for two weeks.
Whilst many remain concerned about the impact the event will have on their productivity, data from the latest Jobs Outlook survey from the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) suggests not all managers share the pessimism.
“There is a sense of hesitancy out there as employers are buffeted with bad news from the continent and are staring at official growth figures that seem to be stuck. But there are still reasons to be positive. Consumer confidence is rising slowly, and the impact of that should filter through to businesses in a few months. Barring any terrible shocks from the eurozone and with the potential of a boost to business from the Olympics we could still be on track for slow improvements in job creation as time progresses.” commented Roger Tweedy of the REC in the wake of the survey's findings.
The positive outlook was shared by London businesses recently. A Confederation for Small Business Survey found that 76% of London businesses believed the Games would be good for them.
The survey of 250 employers found that enhancing skill levels remains the area where firms think the Games will have the least impact (37%).
Sara Parker, CBI London director, says: “The 2012 Games will help showcase London around the world and will be good for the economy.”
Half of employers (50%) intend to let their employees work from home during the Games and 57% will adapt their working hours, while 46% of firms say they will allow employees to have time off to attend events.
How will the Games affect your business? Are you planning on allowing staff to watch the action?
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