The Olympics are a global celebration of human achievement, diversity, and excellence. They showcase the best of what humanity can do, regardless of their background, nationality, or circumstances. They also remind us of the power of opportunities and how they can transform lives. Many Olympians have overcome incredible challenges and barriers to reach their dreams, thanks to the support and guidance of mentors, coaches, organisations, and communities. Their stories can inspire us to give opportunities to those who need them most, and to foster a culture of inclusion, talent, and potential in our companies.
What are opportunities and why do they matter?
Opportunities are the chances and possibilities that people have to improve their situation, achieve their goals, and fulfil their potential. They can be related to education, training, employment, entrepreneurship, health, wellbeing, and more. Opportunities are not equally distributed or accessible in society, and they are often influenced by factors such as socio-economic status, gender, ethnicity, disability, and geography. This can create gaps and inequalities in outcomes and life chances for different groups of people.
Opportunities matter because they can make a difference in people's lives. They can help people to develop their skills, talents, and abilities, to pursue their passions and interests, to overcome their challenges and difficulties, and to contribute to their communities and society. Opportunities can also help people to achieve their personal and professional goals, to fulfil their aspirations and dreams, and to realise their potential and value.
How can companies give opportunities to those who need them most?
Companies can give opportunities to those who need them most by adopting good recruitment practices that are fair, inclusive, and accessible. Some of the ways that companies can do this are:
- Using a strengths-based and potential-based approach to hiring, rather than focusing on qualifications, experience, or background. This can help to identify and nurture the talents and abilities of candidates, regardless of their circumstances.
- Using inclusive and accessible recruitment methods and channels, such as online platforms, social media, referrals, networks, and partnerships. This can help to reach and engage a wider and more diverse pool of candidates, and to reduce the barriers and costs of applying.
- Offering flexible and alternative work arrangements, such as part-time, remote, or hybrid models. This can help to accommodate the needs and preferences of different candidates, and to enable them to balance their work and personal commitments.
- Providing mentoring, coaching, and career development opportunities for employees, especially for those from underrepresented or disadvantaged groups. This can help to support and empower them to grow and progress in their roles and careers, and to overcome any challenges or difficulties they may face.
- Creating a culture of inclusion, belonging, and recognition in the company, where employees feel valued, respected, and appreciated for their contributions and differences. This can help to foster a sense of trust, loyalty, and engagement among employees, and to enhance their wellbeing and satisfaction.
Examples of inspiring stories from the Olympics
To illustrate the impact of giving opportunities to those who need them most, we can look at some inspiring stories from the Olympics, where athletes have overcome adversity and achieved success, thanks to the support and opportunities they received. Here are some examples:
- Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast of all time, was born to a drug-addicted mother and spent her early years in foster care. She was adopted by her grandparents, who encouraged her to pursue gymnastics. She received a scholarship from the USA Gymnastics National Team, which allowed her to train and compete at the highest level. She has won 32 Olympic and World Championship medals, and has become a role model and advocate for mental health, abuse survivors, and children in foster care.
- Mohamed Sbihi, the first Muslim to row for Great Britain at the Olympics, grew up in a low-income area of London, where he faced racism and discrimination. He was introduced to rowing by a talent identification programme at his school, which aimed to widen the participation and diversity of the sport. He received coaching and mentoring from the programme, and later joined a rowing club and a university team. He has won two Olympic gold medals and three World Championship titles, and has been awarded an MBE for his services to rowing.
- Yusra Mardini, a Syrian refugee who swam for the Refugee Olympic Team, fled her war-torn country in 2015, along with her sister. They boarded a dinghy to cross the Mediterranean Sea, but the engine failed and the boat started to sink. They jumped into the water and pushed the boat for three hours until they reached the shore, saving the lives of 18 people. They eventually settled in Germany, where they joined a swimming club and received support from the International Olympic Committee. She competed in the 2016 and 2020 Olympics, and has become a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
Conclusion
The Olympics are a source of inspiration and aspiration for many people around the world. They show us that with the right opportunities and support, anyone can achieve their potential and make a positive difference. As HR professionals, we can learn from the Olympics and apply their lessons to our recruitment practices. By giving opportunities to those who need them most, we can not only benefit our companies, but also contribute to a more fair and inclusive society.
