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International Olympic Committee

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International Olympic Committee Reviews

3.4

71% would recommend to a friend

(88 total reviews)

Thomas Bach

76% approve of CEO

55% positive business outlook

International Olympic Committee has an employee rating of 3.4 out of 5 stars, based on 88 company reviews on Glassdoor which indicates that most employees have a good working experience there. The International Olympic Committee employee rating is in line with the average (within 1 standard deviation) for employers within the Arts, entertainment and recreation industry (3.9 stars).

Reviews by job title

88 reviews
2.0
25 Sept 2016
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Obviously it's a huge buzz working for the Olympic movement. Also very nice offices, extra two months pay every year. Decent lunches and the possibility of travel to interesting locations.

Cons

A huge 'con' is that in many areas the place is absolutely rife with bullying. Some of the low-profile departments (IT, museum services etc.) are OK, and there are good people there. But there's no real protection for staff - no union, no HR process - it's just down to a manager's whim "Here's two months pay now get your bags." And sadly, this happens all the time. HR are downright nasty and certain departments (Communications, Sponsorship and Marketing) are mine-fields. Things were bad under Rogue, and have gotten worse under Bach. A lot of staff frankly aren't very bright, and there's a nasty 'waspish' atmosphere to the whole culture. Also - obviously - there's little to no career 'progression' because the organisation is to small and 'flat' for it to happen. You might get your bosses job if they retire or die. It pays to ask very, very pointed and searching questions at the interview stage. Too many people are awe-struck by the rings. Before accepting a role, look on Linked-In for some ex-staff and ask for a chat. Whatever you do, don't even think about relocating until you've survived a coupe of years and at least one Games (winter, summer or youth). Finally, you do need to be able to speak French. In theory you could get away in some departments without it (Sports) but without bullet-proof support from the President you'd be sidelined and very quickly mobbed-out.

3.0
8 Nov 2016
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Good benefits (insurance paid, holidays...) although salary is low compared to the market. Sports club and gym. Nice offices near the lake. It's nice to work for the Olympics and your friends will be very jealous, especially if you are lucky to go to the Games.

Cons

Salary low compared to the market, no transparency (there seems to be huge variations between employees based on criteria that are not clear or transparent). Depending on the department you are working for, your life can be easy or very hard. Indeed, I have never seen such a high number of burn-outs. These happen specifically in departments that are very exposed politically. In some departments the hours worked are very high and the pressure always on. It is not clear whether HR is trying to improve the situation. It is a very flat organisation so there are not a lot of career opportunities, and you see people that are in the exact same position since 10 years or more. It is always the same people who travel to the Games, and always the same that remain in Lausanne, which is very frustrating (for those who stay!).

3.0
8 Oct 2014
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Presitigious organisation, looks good on your CV as long as you don't stay too long. Sport-centric culture. Beautiful offices, lake-side setting.Opportunities for travel. You get to see the Olympic movement from the inside.

Cons

Very political internally. Poor management (President not involved in day-to-day, that's director-general's job) and lack of operational leadership. Much empire building. Poor project management. Many "initiatives" outside world doesn't care about. Ethically challenged. It's all about the TOPs (Olympic Partners), the TV contracts, the money, nothing else matters. Staff salaries are low vs the external market. Very little training or career development. Many staff are institutionalised, a lot of time servers at every level.

Viewing 1 - 3 of 88 Reviews

Glassdoor has 147 International Olympic Committee reviews submitted anonymously by International Olympic Committee employees. Read employee reviews and ratings on Glassdoor to decide if International Olympic Committee is right for you.