The survey of 2,000 UK employees revealed that 42% of employees believed the Olympics boosted overall productivity in the workplace.
This rose to 62% of Gen Z respondents, who were also more likely (75%) to report being inspired to produce better work after watching Team GB win than Baby Boomers (42%).
HR should take advantage of the surge in productivity that has come with the Olympics, Sarah Hernon, principal consultant for management consultancy Right Management, told HR magazine.
“When you have an environment like the Olympics that is buzzing with energy, it can be infectious and touch lots of people. This presents an ideal opportunity for HR leaders to remind line managers and employees about what we can learn from the trials and tribulations of international athletes,” she said.
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The Olympics could provide an opportunity for HR to show leaders how to manage with empathy, Hernon added.
“There is so much to be understood in terms of effective leadership from the way in which athletes work to achieve their successes,” she continued.
“HR managers could make use of the Olympics to remind leaders that when preparing for successes and failures alike, it’s just as important to be ready for how you deal with the aftermath.
“Knowing how to maintain and manage those high standards is something that both athletes and corporate leaders share in common.
“You need to adopt a human-centred leadership style; to be empathic and to understand that someone cannot always achieve those gold-medal standards. A good leader gives you confidence, safety and support to make mistakes and learn from them.”
When asked what factors most inspired them, 30% of employees cited national pride, 29% teamwork and collaboration, and 22% the spirit of competition.
Employers should attempt to maintain the impact of the Olympics throughout the year, commented Cassie Gasson, chief marketing officer at learning provider Thrive.
Speaking to HR magazine, she said: “HR can maximise on this period of Olympic-inspired motivation by fostering a culture of celebration, team spirit and achievement within the workplace.
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“Maintaining productivity momentum throughout the year requires a sustained effort to keep employees engaged and motivated. HR can introduce regular wellness programmes and fitness challenges to keep the spirit of the Olympics alive.
“Encouraging a healthy work/life balance through flexible working hours, especially for those keen on following their favourite sports, can also contribute to sustained productivity.”
Training programmes could also mirror Olympics coaching, Rasmus Holst, CEO of employee engagement platform Zensai, told HR magazine.
He commented: “Consider rolling out professional development programmes that mimic athletic training, like coaching, regular feedback, and performance tracking, to foster a growth mindset.
“To keep the momentum going throughout the year, HR could create ongoing recognition programmes that celebrate innovation and hard work, just like athletes are honoured for their achievements.”
The monday.com team surveyed 2,000 UK employees between 25 and 30 July 2024.
