The Olympics - Not long now - Is your business prepared?

The London Olympics

I am looking forward to the opening ceremony on 27th July and the weeks of sport that follow but I am also worried about the impact it could have on our businesses.  However a bit of planning and flexibility should help avoid any severe disruption.

Staffing

Have cover for staff who are lucky enough to have tickets for events.
Allow flexible working hours to let staff enjoy major events on the TV.
Consider using temporary or agency staff for critical  areas.
Have a plan for the full period of the games that ensures proper cover at all critical times.

Customers

Tell customers in advance if there could be delays and re-schedule completion dates

Suppliers

Be sure you have ordered critical supplies, parts etc and that delivery will not be delayed.
Check what cover is being offered for your IT systems, Intranet, phones and the like.

Travel

Re-arrange meetings to avoid London and other event locations if travel will be difficult.
Emergencies
Ensure that back-up systems will continue to function.

Check that you have contact details for all your staff and names of those to contact in case
of problems.

And finally

The best way to enjoy the Olympics and have a business to come back to is to plan to be sure it will continue to function and your customers and suppliers are aware of what you are doing for them and what you expect of them and why not do some good promotion and invite them to an ‘Olympic’ party as part of on-going public relations to enjoy a drink and the games.

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