O2 tests flexible working with mid-air outdoor office

Operator conducts experiment with office suspended mid-air in London to demonstrate the benefits of flexible working

O2 has today created a mid-air, outdoor office in London’s east to test the possibilities of flexible working.

The office is suspended over four metres above Great Eastern Street in Shoreditch.

O2 is working with a small business employee (pictured) to conduct a morning of work to demonstrate that with the right technologies and tools, people can work anywhere.

From 9am until 1pm today, the flexible worker is conducting his usual daily business, from industry research and presentation writing, to speaking to clients on the phone.

Passersby can get a closer look from the mid-air office through the live video link www.o2.co.uk/workanywhere.

O2 Small Businesses head of sales Claire Darley said: “For small business teams or entrepreneurs flying solo, the ability to remain connected to their business at all times is essential.

“By keeping costs low and employees agile, implementing effective flexible working practices is increasingly important for small British companies.

“We are calling on a greater number of small and medium businesses to review their flexible working arrangements in what is going to be a very big year in terms of events in the UK.

“Our approach connects a range of products and services under the Joined Up People service – helps all types and sizes of businesses increase productivity, work collaboratively, reduce costs and maximise competitiveness and responsiveness through flexible working.

“Often this involves using simple cost effectiveness technologies that most small businesses often already have.”