With the increased focus on employee satisfaction and engagement, the emphasis on diversity and inclusion, and the rising challenges of remote work, companies are providing employees with more opportunities for non-work-related experiences. These include employee business resource groups (EBRGs), fellowship programs, stretch assignment marketplaces, mentoring, and the list goes on. Now, we all know the benefits of these activities for organizations. However, the question is, what’s in it for us- employees?
Out of my 8 years at my current company, I have been engaged in EBRGs, local committees, and stretch assignments for 5 consecutive years. Those experiences shaped the person I am today and contributed to my journey within the company. Here’s what I (humbly) think we can get out of engaging in non-work-related activities. Let’s call them gigs.
Develop new competencies
For 3 years, I lead an arm of Diversity and Inclusion called the Next Gen Network. I was responsible for a team of 12 employees from all over Eastern Europe Middle East and Africa (EEMEA). This helped me develop competencies that I could not explore through my job. Although the team did not “report” to me in the full sense, I was accountable for their output and their development to achieve the global vision. I learned to coach individuals from different cultures and backgrounds, remotely (long before the pandemic!).
So, when venturing into a gig, refrain from choosing what attracts you. Instead, you could start by identifying the competencies you wish to grow. Then, pinpoint the areas of the business which could help you develop them. This will narrow your options and allow you to focus your efforts towards what really matters for your development. Let’s assume you were asked to improve your strategic thinking. In this case, it wouldn’t be very beneficial for you to take on gigs that are tactical. Instead, you can opt for a marketing assignment, for example, requiring you to set a strategy for a brand.
Build a network
Gigs in the workplace usually extend beyond borders and involve employees from different functions and cultures. Engaging in such activities allows us to expand our network and meet like-minded and sometimes brain-picking people. I had never thought that one day, I would be sitting in New Jersey having coffee with scientists from a manufacturing division. What an enriching experience!
These activities also allow us to meet senior leaders in our role and other divisions. Through a reverse mentoring program, I had the chance, while in L&D, to connect with the Chief Learning Officer. The monthly 45 minutes I spent with her, broadened my thinking and allowed me to explore new ways of working.
Expand our circle of influence
Many of us strive to make a change and create an impact within our organization. Taking part in such initiatives allows us to expand our circle of influence and provides us with a platform to create a bigger change.
Enjoy the workplace
Gigs in the workplace are also meant to be enjoyable and to give us a chance to unwind. I used to call the monthly Diversity & Inclusion meeting, the “Golden Hour”. It was serious and great projects would come out of it, but it was also filled with laughter and smiles.
Create our own employee experience
While we spend more than half of our day at work, it should be more than “just a job”. In fact, in marketing and sales, we talk about going beyond selling a product into providing a customer experience. It goes the same for us. We owe it to ourselves to provide Us with an employee experience.
Being part of workplace gigs contributes to the fulfillment of each one of us. And the cherry on top is that it allows us to feel part of something bigger than our department, country, or cluster. It makes us feel like the sky is the limit.
What about you? What gigs have you engaged in recently? Keep the conversation going!
Feature Photo by Brooke Cagle on Unsplash
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