A survey commissioned by BT Global Services has found that 44% of board level executives are unaware of how the 2012 Olympic Games will affect the business continuity of their organisations.
I was surprised to learn that even though the marketing machine leads us to focus on the ‘London’ games, events will be taking place in 34 separate locations around the UK including Glasgow, Weymouth, Manchester and Cardiff. Around 600 athlete training camps will also be scattered across the UK.
With a lack of urgency and understanding among business leaders to plan properly for the effects of a substantial increase in use of public transport and a major influx of foreign visitors, let alone any terrorist threat, the probability of diminished levels of customer service is getting higher as time marches on. This is in stark contrast to organisations such as the Olympic Delivery Authority who are well aware of the potential vulnerabilities of its business operations.
So what do these business leaders need to know? Firstly the facts:
Number of people estimated to be using public transport during the busiest day of the Games: 800,000*
Estimated number of foreign visitors: 300,000*
Number of tickets expected to be sold: 9.2 million*
The effects on businesses of such an increase in visitors and concentrated population increases among the 34 Games locations should affect a wide variety of business continuity planning issues:
Assessments: A Business Impact Analysis is the starting point in order to assess how the Olympic games will affect your organisation and should cover every aspect from Staff to Telecoms, IT to Supply Chain, Business Property to safety and Security to name but a few.
Workflow increase: An increase in tourists will invariably lead to an increase in product demand and consumption. How will contact centres/ retail outlets cope with an increase in demand?
Flexible Working Policy: Do you have the ability to let your employees work from a remote location? Have you tested the technology and policies regularly so that people know what they need to do to continue working away from their regular office?
Transport disruptions: How will busier roads, public transport and potential disruptions affect the smooth running of your business?
Security and Safety: This is a key issue when implementing a flexible working policy andi ts importance should not be underestimated.
As we get closer to the Olympic Games I will build on these fundamental Business Continuity planning issues with tips and advice for certain areas, particularly for Telecoms and Flexible Working, so watch this space.
*Games data from www.london2012.com
