As per a recent study, the Indian Institute of Technology-Madras (IIT-M) suggests that encouraging creativity and expression in employees can help businesses handle tough times better. The research highlights how the fluctuations of markets and businesses can significantly impact employees’ well-being and productivity.
The study emphasises that during times of crisis, companies can sustain employee potential and motivation by incorporating joyful, experiential and artistic therapies. These methods are shown to improve mood, encourage creativity and innovation and offer unique advantages that extend beyond traditional training approaches.
Engaging with the arts provides employees with a safe psychological space to explore alternative realities. This exploration can lead to proactive behaviours, such as anticipating future changes and challenges and developing problem-solving skills. Furthermore, employees involved in integrated art forms experience multiple benefits, including self-exploration and enhanced interaction with people, space and materials.
The research also addresses the need for workforces to adapt to generational changes, technological advancements and the evolving world. By shifting from traditional training to experiential methods, companies can maximise employee potential and fulfilment.
Additionally, the study introduces the concept of ‘Workforce Agility,’ which helps employees tackle organisational challenges constructively, making businesses more responsive to the competitive business environment’s opportunities and threats.
Overall, the IIT-Madras study suggests that incorporating artistic and experiential approaches can significantly benefit employee well-being and productivity in volatile business landscapes.
