Encouraging your employees to share hobbies and interests can be really beneficial for the business in terms of building stronger connections and fostering creativity. You can encourage employees to bring their passions to work through initiatives such as belonging groups based on a variety of interests including diversity and inclusion and the environment. These groups give employees a chance to learn skills, give back to their communities and connect with others they have shared interests with. Company chat forums and team meetings are also great opportunities to encourage your staff to share their interests and passions with the team.
Benefits to encouraging your employees to discuss their hobbies and interests:
Enhancing creativity- Hobbies are often ways that individuals show off their creative side, these creative skills could be really beneficial for the business in terms of marketing and content creation.
Skill diversification- You can learn about the skills that each employee has to offer. Getting employees to use their skills from their hobby at work can be beneficial to the business whilst supporting the professional development of the employee.
Team building and collaboration-hobbies can often lead to opportunities for employees to work together, build trust and enhance communication skills. Companies can create a fun, engaging environment that promotes team building and collaboration.
Workplace wellbeing-There might even be some wellbeing activities that staff can enjoy together such as yoga or sporting activities.
Improved morale- hobbies provide a sense of fulfilment and accomplishment. Them being able to explore and share their hobbies at work it can help them feel more connected and build team spirit. Employees feel more valued and appreciated
Increased productivity- Supporting staffs pursuits of their hobbies and interests will make them feel more positive about the organisation. Hobbies provide a sense of purpose and accomplishment which will pass over into the workplace and make employees more invested in their work.
Resources:
https://yourpeopleareyourpower.com/workplace-hobby-clubbing-fostering/
https://palife.co.uk/news/how-businesses-can-benefit-of-employees-bringing-hobbies-to-work
