Why We Should Encourage Employees to Pursue Creative Passions

It’s no surprise we’ve seen a major shift in the way the world is working– from hybrid and remote work to the explosive rise of the creator economy. Over the past few years, employees have increasingly placed higher value on flexibility at work. As lines continue to blur between personal and professional lives, we’ve seen that it’s becoming less about work-life balance and more about a progression toward work-life integration.?

A recent study by Adobe found that globally, the creator economy has grown by 119% since 2020 and more growth is expected as Gen Z joins the workforce. This rising interest in pursuing creative passions sparks an opportunity for business leaders to embrace and encourage employees to tap into their personal pursuits – after all, in today’s world, people are just as likely to define themselves by their passion projects as they are their full-time jobs.

Creative passions keep minds fresh and sharp.

Employees who have something outside of work that’s truly a passion ultimately add significant value to your business. If you’re doing the same tasks all day, every day, eventually you’re going to lose steam. But if you’re spending your free time truly stepping away to think about something else, while also exercising a different part of your brain, you will return to your tasks with renewed energy and focus.

Drawing inspiration and lessons from the world around us is not just something creators do – it’s something every professional can do (and should be encouraged to do). Employees who are exposed to different kinds of projects let their minds out of the familiar box that is their “regular” job. In doing so, they will inevitably pick up new ways of thinking, problem-solving skills, and other inspiration that will make them that much better as professionals.?

Personally, I derive great value from my meditation business. Colleagues and managers supported the pursuit of my own passion project a few years ago, which has in turn positively impacted my conventional workday. I’ve noticed that by regularly tapping into my creative passion, I have kept my energy fresh, increased overall happiness in my role at Adobe, and found new creative perspectives, which is a key element to my role of building creative tools. Launching my business even sparked ideas on how to be a better leader and mentor. I’ve found ways to integrate meditation and mindfulness practices into regular team meetings, which has brought my colleagues and I together in new, unique ways.?

Outside of my personal experience, I know of a few colleagues who have written books, developed video games, launched Etsy shops, sell photography, and more – the creative passions people can pursue to ground themselves and find happiness are endless! It is simply amazing to work at a company that is pushing its employees to never stop learning and developing or finding new opportunities to stretch ourselves.

It’s time to support employees’ passions and work-life integration.

Managers and business leaders play a crucial role in helping their employees feel empowered to find and pursue creative outlets. It is mutually beneficial to support our teams and push them to stay constantly curious – explore those extracurricular activities, use PTO for that vacation, take the design course, volunteer in the local community, etc. I believe as leaders it is our duty to continue to encourage people to truly think deeply about what inspires them.

We also know happy employees are more likely to stay and thrive in their roles. Continuing with the theme of “work-life integration” vs. “work-life balance,” people want to feel accepted by their employers. Currently, 6 in 10 creators have full-time jobs in addition to content creation. In my experience not only allowing employees to pursue creative outlets, but outright encouraging it, will build trust and loyalty in your company.

Someone who can bring their whole selves to work, someone who is empowered to regularly exercise different parts of their brain, that’s the person I want working with me. And I think you’ll find, that’s the person you want working with you too.