Promote worker productivity despite London 2012 Olympics

Although the world's attention is glued on television and online reports of the London 2012 Summer Olympics - or live, for people lucky enough to be in the London Olympic Park - business owners may notice decreased productivity in workers as the medal counts increase.

Experts suggest this is the perfect time for business owners to remind workers of internet and personal device usage, especially because it will be tempting to read news reports about famous athletes breaking world records.

"It can be informal, but you can and should remind your workers about your guidelines," Phil Bousfield, general manager of GFI's Infrastructure Business Unit, said in a Fox Small Business Center article. "As companies get bigger, it's important to document internet policy."

Employers should also have written policies regarding internet use in employee handbooks, which could be signed by employees in agreement as they're hired.

Excitement and curiosity surrounding the Olympics will last for weeks, as news is not likely to stop at the closing ceremony of the 16-day event. Although businesses can't limit what employees talk about during work, it may be beneficial to remind them to limit non-work-related conversations to breaks.

It's important to note that most employees would spend an "appropriate time" using the internet to check Olympic standings, the article said. However, the few who would abuse the system could ruin the privilege for others, or worse, teach others to exhibit poor work performance behaviors.

However, performance-based incentive programs can be implemented during the Olympics to increase productivity and keep employees focused on work. Positive verbal reinforcement for a job well-done or even having a casual Olympics-themed clothing day could also work to motivate employees to stay productive.

An Olympics 'vacation'
Business owners who feel the contrary and actually hope to work less during the 16-day Olympic event can follow a few tips recently published in Inc. Magazine by author and small business owner Gene Marks.

- Inform all customers and employees of your change in schedule while telling them when or if you will be available, including what to do if they should encounter a problem.
- Get necessary work done early in the day, but check back with workers and clients later in the afternoon or evening as a day's wrap-up.
- Have a smartphone near you at all times in case an issue requires attention and a phone call or email is necessary.