The mobile phone network O2 has trialled its working from home plans in preparation for changes during the Olympic Games.

Around a quarter of the firm's 12,000 employees worked from home or in local cafes last week (8 February), as they were encouraged not to come into the office.

The sheer numbers involved make this one of the largest flexible working schemes ever undertaken and it is hoped that other firms will follow suit.

In fact many may be forced to do so, especially those based in London, where severe travel disruption is expected during the Games.

Ben Dowd, O2 business director, commented: “We believe a cultural step-change is underway affecting staff and businesses, as work increasingly becomes something we do, rather than a place that we go.”

He added that the day presented an opportunity to “tangibly demonstrate the opportunity and potential available to British businesses today” through flexible working.

The company has also implemented a number of longer-term changes to make its workforce more mobile and flexible. These have resulted in 550 fewer operating desks and a 53 per cent reduction in the firm's carbon footprint.