Flexible Working Pilot for O2 Head Office

This week O2 launched a flexible working pilot for UK staff in anticipation of the Olympics this summer. On Wednesday O2 shut its head office in Slough and the 3,000 employees normally based there, worked remotely. The rationale behind this move preempts the travel disruption expected due to the proximity to the Olympic rowing venue.

O2 is hoping that the pilot will highlight best practices that can be shared. It is anticipated that up to one third of UK businesses will encourage flexible working practices during London 2012. Transport for London is aiming to see commuter journeys reduced by a third.

O2 will monitor reductions in electricity usage and CO2 emissions as well as the impact of reduced time travel over a 24 hour period. O2 has already seen a fall of 53% in its carbon footprint having consolidated its operations into a single campus.

Ann Pickering, O2’s HR director said: “There are huge benefits to be gained in enabling your workforce to be mobile. Not only does it foster trust between organisations and employees, but allowing staff to shape their own working environment gives them back one of their most valuable resources – time.

“It also allows companies to overcome geographical boundaries and open new doors in terms of recruiting the best talent,” she continued. “So whether it’s a mum that needs to be at home for the school run or an employee that works remotely three days and travels to the office for two, with the right tools, implementing flexible working policies have the potential to transform the way we do business.

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