Creating Community in our Workplaces
The Aurelia Network, a branch of 917 Studios, focuses on using storytelling to make our workplaces happier and more successful.
Creating community within our companies is so important. Of course some of this already exists. To create a corporate culture we have mission statements, goals, and visions to describe the breadth and reach of our companies.
To create cohesive groups within we host group outings, company sponsored volunteering, team meetings, holiday dinners, work picnics, and team building events. These are a good start.
What if we went beyond all of this? Happiness is achieved incrementally, truly from the inside out, and that happiness creates success.
What if we offered morning yoga? What if we had dance breaks? I've lost some of you, but please hear me out.
What if when our computers told us to stop working and stretch instead they told us to stretch and read an inspirational quote or excerpt from Aristotle or Shakespeare?
What if we had a quick Jenga challenge? A puzzle off to the side?
What if we posited a company question for people to ponder on their way to lunch?
We could have Water Cooler Wednesdays where everyone finds out something their colleagues did over the weekend or shared their favorite show.
Or could there be a break to share scores of sports we miss because of a deadline?
What if we found out who knows all the lyrics to Wonderwall?
Would this be a distraction? Maybe it is just the distraction we need to be healthier, happier, with more efficient and stronger, more cohesive teams.
My father has been a CEO for over 60 years, and I remember when I was a kid I would circle around his office and read every motivational art piece on his walls. There were lions telling me I was courageous, and a gigantic desk telling me I was successful.
Today, I wonder if we had quotes on the walls, but they were about happiness to inspire us and remind us of our shared humanity.
What if instead of just paying attention to desk ergonomics we also made sure that everyone was walking around every twenty minutes? What if we encouraged lunch and breaks in sunlight or even just lunch breaks at all?
What if we had not only no meeting Fridays but 'Deep Work Thursdays' (Newport, 2024 ) where we couldn't be disturbed.
What if we didn't email the person twenty feet from us but got up to talk to them?
My aim is not to take away from the work we are trying to achieve. Yet, I am suggesting incremental changes. Making our work environments pleasant, happier places to be. Getting to know each other so we can work better together.
We all have differing levels of how introverted or extroverted we are, so my intent is not to make people feel dread at these activities. I am suggesting that we create an environment of storytelling, health, teamwork, and innovation.
I offer public speaking, executive coaching, customized curricula and retreats, through a lens of storytelling with a focus on happiness.
I look forward to working with your company soon.
Warmly,
Rebecca
References
Johnson, B. (2016). Heroic Interview: Deep Work with Cal Newport. [Video]. YouTube.
