Blog
Paris 2024 Olympics: how to prepare for teleworking?
Share
Johanna
03/06/2024
Hybrid work
Paris 2024 Olympics: how to prepare for teleworking?
Reading time : 0 mn
The Paris 2024 Olympics are just around the corner. While this great celebration of sport promises to transform the capital into a veritable giant stadium, it also risks turning commuting into an obstacle course. An extra 500,000 passengers are expected to use public transport(1). Even if transport services are to be increased by 15% during the Olympic Games, this effort will not be enough to ensure the smooth flow of traffic(1). So, how can we turn this ordeal into a resounding victory? There's only one secret: telecommuting! Here's our guide to preparing for the Olympics.
Is teleworking compulsory during the Games?
The answer is no. The government is inviting the people of Paris to telework during the Olympic Games, but this is by no means an obligation. With its poster campaign in the Paris metro, "Pendant les Jeux, l'important, c'est de télétravailler!", the government is hoping to promote teleworking as a way of easing congestion on public transport. The aim is to ease commuting during the Olympic Games, not to impose full telecommuting ad vitam æternam.
In fact, telecommuting is already firmly entrenched in French people's daily lives. By 2023, 45% of working people were teleworking regularly(2). Telecommuting has also helped to reduce public transport use by 20% during rush hour(2). Now you know why telecommuting can make all the difference during the Games. Follow the guide, we'll give you some tips on how to set up teleworking in your company.
Telecommuting: a gold medal for productivity
The first step for HR departments is to make teleworking a real sprint towards productivity. The key? Meticulous preparation, which is also how athletes approach the Olympics. Here are 3 tips for successfully crossing the finish line.
Equip your champions
This is essential to facilitate the implementation of teleworking. Make sure your employees are well equipped for teleworking: high-performance laptops, quality headphones, a stable Internet connection, a chair, a desk... Imagine a marathon runner running barefoot - unthinkable, no?
In fact, it's happened before - come on, we'll give you a little Olympic anecdote. In 1960, Ethiopian runner Abebe Bikila won the gold medal in the marathon at the Olympic Games in Rome, running barefoot. While we applaud the feat, we wouldn't recommend trying it at home. It's better to put your employees in the best possible conditions to succeed.
Create a seamless playground
You'll need VPN solutions and security software to protect company data. Security is of paramount importance when telecommuting. Train your staff in the use of such software, and take the opportunity to raise their awareness of data protection. Don't forget to test the software before the Olympics, so you don't end up with technical bugs that could impact on your productivity.
Communication: the digital relay
Use collaborative tools like Teams or Slack to maintain fluid and effective communication, even from a distance. Like a coach at the side of the track, be there to guide your teams through this not always easy ordeal. Set a clear framework for the use of collaborative tools, and train your employees in their use.
Flexibility: daily gymnastics
During the Paris 2024 Olympics, companies in the Paris region will need to be as flexible as the gymnasts. As a good coach, adapt your strategy to the needs of each of your teams. When it comes to competition, stay flexible so you're ready to overcome any obstacles.
Anticipating the unexpected: the combined test
Like a decathlete, be prepared for a multitude of challenges. The unexpected is inevitable, but with the right preparation, you can turn these obstacles into opportunities.
Imagine a plan B
Like a reserve athlete ready for action, be prepared for any eventuality. Think about a plan B beforehand, so that you're not surprised when the time comes. This will also enable you to guarantee the well-being of your employees, by limiting stressful situations.
Test before the big day
Organize large-scale teleworking simulations to identify and resolve potential problems. Like a warm-up before a competition, these tests help you fine-tune your strategies.
Be a good listener
Remain attentive to feedback from your employees, so you can adjust your systems in real time. A good coach knows how to listen to his athletes to optimize their performance.
Create an Olympic corporate culture
Finally, don't neglect the human aspect and team cohesion. A strong corporate culture is your best ally in getting through this exceptional period.
Celebrate small victories
Organize virtual events to maintain team spirit and celebrate successes. Online games, remote sports challenges or virtual coffee breaks can strengthen bonds.
Maintain commitment with collective projects
Launch collaborative projects where teams can work together, even remotely. For example, organize online brainstorming workshops, working groups on CSR initiatives or virtual hackathons. These activities will reinforce team spirit and allow everyone to feel involved in company projects, like athletes united towards a common goal.
Enhance performance
Recognize and reward everyone's efforts. A symbolic medal or a word of encouragement can boost team morale.
The Paris 2024 Olympics will undoubtedly be a time of challenges, but also of opportunities. As HR Director for Île-de-France, you have the power to turn this event into a race to success. Prepare your teams, be flexible, anticipate the unexpected and create a strong corporate culture. With these strategies, you'll be ready to win the telecommuting gold medal. Ready, set, go! Get teleworking!
<hr>
<font size="-1">Nos sources</font>
<font size="-1">(1) https://anticiperlesjeux.gouv.fr/ </font>
<font size="-1">(2) L’Institut Paris Région, 2023. Baromètre des Franciliens. </font>
