Breathing space at work: Building a culture of engagement and well-being
Creating breathing space goes beyond merely introducing new activities; it involves cultivating a workplace where employees feel motivated, appreciated, and empowered to excel
Creating "breathing space" has become essential for creating a supportive, agile work environment in the modern workplace. This term refers to initiatives that allow employees to relax, recharge, and engage with each other beyond daily tasks, helping to boost morale, creativity, and overall productivity.
As organisations increasingly adopt agile cultures, they recognise the benefits of offering flexible spaces and activities that support employee well-being.
Why does breathing space matter?
Burnout due to meeting KPIs or sales targets and disengagement due to sickness and trauma are common in today's high-stress job environments. Studies show that employees with opportunities to unwind return to work with renewed energy, creativity, and focus. Agile workplaces use this insight to encourage work-life balance and work-life integration, where employees feel supported in bringing their whole selves to work.
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Creating breathing spaces goes beyond offering traditional wellness programmes. While yoga or meditation sessions are valuable, so are initiatives that encourage teamwork, creativity, and a shared sense of purpose. Today's most effective breathing spaces are dynamic, fostering connection, personal growth, and mutual support.
At one of my earlier organisations, we introduced a unique musical band formed by employees. With full support from the leadership team, we converted an office space into a music practice pad with electric guitars, drums, and soundproof walls. This band provided a mental break for participants.
It brought together employees from different departments, enhancing cross-team relationships and collaboration. They also performed on different company programmes. The band recorded original songs and produced music videos, which became a source of pride and community for the entire organisation.
In my current organisation, we have continued this vision by launching a music club alongside a new band, which has already created a vibrant atmosphere within the workplace. Additionally, we offer monthly book discussions in our reading cafes, where employees can gather, explore new ideas, and build friendships around a shared love for literature.
Our range of clubs— including a runners' club, photography club, and recitation club— allows employees to bond over common interests while providing a welcome diversion from their usual routines.
Plans are underway to add even more activities, like an adventure club and a movie club, to further enrich our cultural offerings and support healthy work-life integration.
Agile culture is more than just work flexibility. Adopting agile culture in many organisations has prioritised creating a breathing space. It promotes adaptability, teamwork, and a focus on outcomes over rigid schedules.
It is about creating an environment where employees can innovate, take initiative, and balance their personal and professional interests. Gaming zones, day outs, cultural events, and club-based activities are ways that companies encourage employees to engage in their interests, release stress, and return to work with a fresh perspective.
This freedom leads to a more fulfilling work experience. Employees are more likely to be innovative and initiative-taking than simply completing tasks. Participating in enjoyable activities reminds employees they are valued beyond their job roles.
Creating a breathing space has multiple benefits, too.
These initiatives go beyond enhancing employee morale; they significantly deepen engagement and positively influence productivity, retention, and organisational culture.
Employees involved in activities such as music clubs or photography groups are afforded more significant opportunities for creative expression. Such engagement facilitates openness and encourages interactions with senior colleagues, fostering a stronger sense of connection to their work and peers, ultimately enhancing the organisation's overall productivity.
Moreover, breathing spaces contribute to employee well-being. When individuals are given time to recharge, they experience reduced stress, better mental clarity, and higher job satisfaction. And as these spaces bring people together, they help build a sense of community, making employees feel like they are part of something bigger.
Creating breathing space goes beyond merely introducing new activities; it involves cultivating a workplace where employees feel motivated, appreciated, and empowered to excel.
As more organisations adopt this mindset, they will discover that it boosts productivity and is a compelling strategy for nurturing a more connected, resilient, and engaged workforce.
Shafiq R Bhuiyan is the Vice President of Communication and CSR at BRAC Bank PLC.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of The Business Standard.
