One in three firms are to introduce flexible working so staff can watch the Olympic and Paralympic Games next year, according tobusiness advisory firm Deloitte.

The research also shows 44% of companies will encourage staff to attend Olympic and Paralympic Games, while 42% plan to install screens for staff to watch live events.

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.

“Businesses need to think about the policies they will put in place for their workforce next summer. For example, they will need to consider how they are going to manage the potential increased demand for annual leave during the Games period.

“They will also need to carefully consider how they can help employees manage their working practices to accommodate flexible or remote working, ensuring business needs are met whilst facilitating a Games experience. It is important that these issues are considered sooner rather than later.”

Stevan Rolls, head of HR at Deloitte, says: “With 26 World Championships taking place simultaneously, it is inevitable that staff up and down the country will want to take time out to watch their favourite athletes going for gold

“Where businesses are prepared to be innovative, London 2012 may present an opportunity for enhanced employee engagement through themed incentives or the opportunity to trial new working practices.

“Of course, it will be essential for companies to find the right balance and ensure there is no impact on client service levels. In fact, 29% of our respondents said they will not allow any staff to watch events during working hours and this may reflect the fact that flexible working will be easier for some industries than others.”