Why do employers tend to hire employees who are athletes?
As a student, you might wonder how your athletic involvement can help you beyond the playing field. Did you realize that hiring managers often look for applicants with a history in sports?
In this blog, we will discuss why employers like to hire employees who are athletes & how your athletic experience can be a valuable asset for the workplace.
Moreover, we will also discuss how you can use your athletic experience to benefit yourself in the job market, irrespective of whether you are a student-athlete or a retired player!
So, without further ado, let us begin!
Benefits Of Being An Athlete
Before a job application, you might always have a question in mind, i.e., what skills do employers look for before hiring? We often think that there is no generic answer to it. However, if you are an athlete, you have an edge over others.
Employees who are athletes have specific skills & qualities that make them attractive to others. Here are a few benefits of being an athlete in the workplace. Take a look!
1. Physical Fitness
As an athlete, you understand the significance of caring for your body & staying in shape. This discipline & commitment to being physically fit can translate to a healthier & more productive professional life.
2. Time Management Skills
Balancing academics & athletics needs excellent time management skills. Athletes know how to prioritize their responsibilities & manage their time effectively. Those skills are vital in the workplace, where meeting deadlines & managing various tasks are critical to success.
3. Competitive Nature
Athletes have a natural drive to compete & succeed. This competitive nature can result in a workplace where employees who are athletes are more likely to set ambitious goals & work hard to achieve them.
4. Teamwork Skills
Team sports need strong teamwork skills. It includes collaboration, communication, accountability, etc. These skills are incredibly valuable as employees work together to achieve their personal & professional goals.
5. Leadership Skills
Athletes often take on leadership roles within the teams, which enables them to develop valuable leadership skills. In companies, employees who are athletes are likely to take the initiative, inspire others, & lead by example.
6. Ability To Handle Pressure & Challenging Situations
Athletics can be physically & mentally demanding, requiring athletes to handle pressure & stress effectively. This capability to perform under pressure is valuable in the workplace, where employees have to handle tight deadlines, unexpected challenges, & high-pressure situations.
Why Employers Hire Employees Who Are Athletes?
Employers like to hire employees who are athletes because they are significant for the workplace & help in a number of things.
Some of the reasons are listed below.
1. Increased Productivity
Physically fit as well as healthy employees tend to have more energy & have the ability to get more work done. It is helpful for the company as it increases output & efficiency.
2. Strong Work Ethic
Athlete’s dedication to training as well as competition has offered them a strong work ethic, which they can bring to the workplace. Thus, employers hire employees who are athletes committed to working hard.
3. Team-Minded
Athletes know how vital it is to work as a team to accomplish common company goals. This way of thinking can help businesses because it encourages professionals to work collaboratively, interact with one another, & take responsibility for their actions.
4. Leadership Potential
Employees who are athletes tend to take on leadership roles, as we discussed above. After all, employers like professionals who can do things independently, motivate others, & lead by example.
5. Adaptability
Athletes have to deal with new situations & challenges, which can enable them to be flexible at work. Therefore, employers like workers who can deal with change & adapt to whatever situations come their way, i.e., they must know how to embrace the unknown!
6. Resilience
Athletic employees can effortlessly deal with pressure, mistakes, & losses. This can help them become more resilient. After all, employees who can deal with stress & issues with ease & determination are preferred by employees.
Some Examples Of Athletes Who Excelled In The Workplace
Many instances are there wherein athletes have successfully transitioned to the workplace & excelled in their careers. Here are a few of them!
1. Roger Federer
Roger Federer is a Swiss tennis player who has won 20 Grand Slam titles & is regarded as one of the greatest tennis players. Off the court, he is a philanthropist who works via his foundation, which supports African education projects.
2. Michael Jordan
Being one of the greatest basketball players of his time, Michael Jordan has a successful career in business as well. He is the majority owner of the Charlotte Hornets NBA team as well as the Jordan brand, which is a subsidiary of Nike.
3. Serena Williams
Serena Williams is an amazing tennis player who has won over 23 Grand Slam singles & 14 Grand Slam doubles titles. In addition, she is also a successful entrepreneur, having her clothing line & stakes in multiple tech startups.
Final Thoughts
Athletic employees have a unique skill set & attributes which make them highly sought-after in the job market. In addition, employers hire employees who are athletes because they have a lot to offer in the workplace. Thus, employers who recognize & leverage their skills can benefit greatly.
So, now you know why managers hire employees who are athletes. Share your thoughts with us below on what do you think – is hiring athletes beneficial or not?
Also, do visit our website RILC Academy to know more about our corporate training sessions.
