Large businesses are already considering flexible working and homeworking measures during the Olympic and Paralympic Games, new research from Deloitte has revealed.

The survey found that 32 per cent of large companies will implement flexible working practices during the Games, such as allowing staff to make up any hours they take off work to watch live events.

One in three said they would understand if staff had more difficulty making it into the office due to transport, whilst eight per cent will allow more homeworking. However, 60 per cent don’t intend to change their flexible working policies during the Games.

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. As at all times, the priority will be to meet client needs but businesses need to factor in high numbers of staff wanting to attend or watch live events, a transportation system under increased pressure and potential disruption to supply chains," she added.

Hancock urged businesses to act now to make sure they have policies in place in time for the 2012 Games. She encouraged firms to consider issues such as increased demand for leave, flexible working and working from home.