On this Valentine’s Day, let us travel back in time to discover the hidden gems of Eros and see how incorporating them into the modern workplace can transform employee engagement, boost morale, and elevate overall corporate culture to new heights.
The flames of desire, passion, and ambition are symbolized by Eros, the ancient Greek god of physical love. Eros is a deeply ingrained desire that motivates and drives an individual to pursue and achieve their desired object of affection. Eros is one of the most transformative and inspiring emotions in the world because of this intense longing. Consider this: when employees are fuelled by the fire of their own passions, their energy, drive, and creativity light up the workplace. Organizations can ignite a culture of continuous improvement by harnessing this spark, where taking risks and experimenting with new ideas is not only encouraged, but celebrated.
Three suggestions for igniting workplace passion and ambition:
1. Encourage Employee Passion Projects
Allowing employees to work on projects and initiatives that are related to their passions and interests can lead to increased employee engagement and motivation. Encouraging employees to contribute their unique skills, experiences, and perspectives can help foster a sense of pride and ownership in their work, which can lead to increased job satisfaction and motivation.
At 3M, employees are allowed to work on projects outside of their normal job responsibilities for up to 15% of their time. This program has been a game changer, allowing employees to pursue their passions and maximize their potential. The results speak for themselves: increased employee engagement and job satisfaction, as well as numerous successful new product innovations! Another US-based company, Likeable Local, hosted three internal “hack mornings” in one quarter, with teams working for only two hours on their ideas. The company then votes on their favourite hack, and the winners receive monetary compensation.
2. Create a space for employees to grow and share their passions
According to research, people who pursue a side hustle in addition to their full-time job perform better in their primary job. This is because having a side hustle provides a sense of empowerment and positive emotions. Pursuing one’s passions, on the other hand, can boost employee engagement and job satisfaction. Working constantly, including on holidays and outside of regular work hours, can, however, have the opposite effect and drain one’s intrinsic motivation for work.
Leaders should set a good example for their employees and let them in on their personal passions outside of work. Think of passions as the secret ingredient to your workday fuel tank. By encouraging employees to make time for their own passions, you’re not just filling their tanks, but revving up their engines to perform at their peak. (Read here for more tips to become a better leader)
Incorporating passion into the workplace benefits not only individual employees, but also brings co-workers closer together, resulting in a more connected and personal work environment. We can foster a sense of camaraderie and strengthen relationships with our co-workers by encouraging open sharing of personal interests. Passion projects can also be a powerful tool for fostering a stronger corporate culture in companies with a high number of remote workers. We can bring a positive and uplifting energy to the workplace and inspire each other to reach new heights by tapping into our passions and connecting with others who share them.
3. Encouraging Volunteerism and Community Involvement
According to a United Healthcare study, employees who volunteer at work not only feel a stronger connection to their employer and co-workers, but it also reduces staff turnover. Volunteering has the potential to not only boost employee morale but also to be an effective tool in attracting top talent.
Given the increasing importance of social impact and community service, companies must revise their social contracts with employees to include positive global and community impact. This will be especially important for ensuring the future of work and attracting Generation Z, who place a high value on social impact and volunteerism. Employee participation can be encouraged in a variety of ways, including allocating resources to establish a volunteer program, providing time off for volunteer activities (check out the tax benefits in Singapore), and collaborating with local non-profit organizations to create volunteer opportunities.
The ancient Greeks certainly knew a thing or two about love, and it’s about time we brought some Eros into the modern workplace. Our work relationships can blossom into something truly magnificent by embracing the essence of personal drive, emotional bonds, and mutual interest. The Greek approach to creating a positive and supportive corporate culture is timeless, and it is up to modern organizations to adopt and adapt these principles in order to thrive in the ever-changing business landscape. So, embrace the spirit of Eros in the workplace, and watch the magic unfold!