New research from monday.com reveals that Olympic fever is significantly enhancing workplace productivity across the UK.
The study, which surveyed 2,000 UK participants, found that almost two-thirds (61%) of workers are motivated by the Olympics to deliver more creative and innovative work.
The recent Olympic successes of Team GB have been particularly inspiring, with over half (58%) of UK employees driven to produce their own gold-medal-worthy efforts.
Also, more than two-fifths (42%) believe that the Olympics boosts overall productivity at work. Key factors fuelling this surge in productivity include national pride (30%), teamwork and collaboration (29%), and the competitive spirit (22%).
Employees are considering altering their work hours
In their eagerness not to miss any Olympic action, especially the prospect of British athletes winning medals, just over two-thirds (67%) of UK workers are considering altering their work hours. Popular sports such as football (30%), athletics (28%), and swimming (23%) have the strongest following, prompting many to adjust their schedules. To further tap into Team GB’s winning mentality, over one-third (36%) of workers are willing to reschedule team meetings to watch their favourite Olympic events, with Millennials (46%) more likely than Baby Boomers (26%) to make this shift.
While the Olympic spirit is influencing the entire workforce, younger generations are leading the charge. A striking 75 percent of Gen Z employees are inspired to enhance their work performance after watching Team GB’s achievements, compared to 42 percent of Baby Boomers. Also, 62 percent of Gen Z workers see the Olympics as a positive influence on workplace productivity. Both Gen Z (77%) and Millennials (70%) are the most likely to replicate a medal-winning mentality in their professional lives.
Taking inspiration from athletes
Ben Barnett, Regional Director at monday.com, commented: “While most of us can only dream of winning a gold medal, it is encouraging to see the UK workforce taking inspiration from elite athletes who have embraced hard work, dedication, and resilience to reach the top of their game. As new generations enter the workforce, which is becoming more diverse, it’s great to see how striving towards excellence and maintaining a resilient mindset becomes a source of inspiration that bridges the generational gap and has a positive impact on workplace spirit and productivity.”
This research highlights how the Olympics not only unite nations in sporting triumphs but also inspire individuals in their professional pursuits, fostering a culture of excellence and resilience across workplaces in the UK.
Amelia Brand is the Editor for HRreview, and host of the HR in Review podcast series. With a Master’s degree in Legal and Political Theory, her particular interests within HR include employment law, DE&I, and wellbeing within the workplace. Prior to working with HRreview, Amelia was Sub-Editor of a magazine, and Editor of the Environmental Justice Project at University College London, writing and overseeing articles into UCL’s weekly newsletter. Her previous academic work has focused on philosophy, politics and law, with a special focus on how artificial intelligence will feature in the future.
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