Why invest in office workers’ clubs?
Investing in office workers’ clubs can benefit businesses aiming to foster a sense of community, which can lead to greater satisfaction and productivity. These clubs, which range from fitness groups and book clubs to professional development circles, provide employees with opportunities to engage, connect and grow beyond their routine work tasks.
6 ideas for hobby clubs and special interest events in the workplace
These hobby club ideas are just a few examples of how you can encourage corporate social clubs that support your vision of a collaborative, positive company culture.
1. Book club
Book clubs are a great way to bring people together. Every month or so, someone in the club picks a book for everyone to read. At the next meetup, members discuss the book, its messaging and related topics that seem interesting. Some book clubs stick to a specific theme, like professional development or fiction bestsellers. Others are more general, reading a historical romance one month and a celebrity chef’s autobiography the next.
Book club discussions can be held over lunch or as a special event. This opens up opportunities for cross-club activities—perhaps the cooking club wants to make a spread for the book club, or the mentorship club can participate when you read books about entrepreneurship.
2. Fitness club
Bring together employees who want to bike, run, swim, stretch or box their way to wellness with a general or sport-specific fitness club. These clubs may be easier to organize if multiple employees are interested in the same sport. Alternatively, groups can also choose different sports and rotate based on a fixed schedule. For example, you might have a dedicated triathletes’ club but also a club where they run one week and try pickleball together the next.
Numerous studies have indicated correlations between increased physical activity and a healthier workforce. One showed that employees who engaged in at least 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity weekly missed about four fewer days of work each year.
3. Cooking club
An office club for cooking enthusiasts can be fun and offers lots of opportunities to collaborate with other clubs or volunteer endeavors.
- Partner with local restaurants to highlight seasonal menus as the resident sous chef teaches their signature dish.
- Suggest that your team start a community garden at work to have access to fresh vegetables.
- Take ingredients to a women’s shelter or boys and girls club and share basic cooking tips with those who want to learn how to prepare basic and nutritious meals.
4. Board game club
Board games can teach everything from strategy and counting to storytelling and teamwork. Consider hosting game days or game lunches, during working hours if possible and encourage employees to bring their favorite board games.
5. Arts & crafts club
Hobbies such as painting, quilting, beading, sculpting, sewing, woodworking and other crafts have been shown to help combat stress. You can encourage an arts and crafts club in the office. People getting together to work on individual projects or join forces to create something large, such as an art installation or wall-to-ceiling mural for the lobby, can have a major impact on how your team works together on more official tasks.
6. Dance club
Though dancing could technically be included in a fitness club, it could generate enough interest to be a club of its own. You can dedicate each gathering to a different style of dance, plan outings to clubs or dance competitions or bring in local dance instructors to teach a lesson for both in-person and remote employees
FAQs about office clubs
What’s the fun committee at work?
A fun committee at work isn’t technically an office club or corporate social club, but it can be. The fun committee is typically tasked with planning and organizing the special events and parties that make up the company’s social calendar. Think company picnics, field days, holiday parties, rewards galas and team-building outings.
How can I set up a work social club?
Establishing workers’ clubs around a hobby or other shared interest can be a fun way to boost morale and, in turn, productivity. But clubs that use corporate spaces and other resources may need to be approved by management and HR. Once you get the go-ahead, you can spread the word about the new club and gauge interest in your chosen theme.
How can I make my office more fun?
Incorporating more lighthearted energy into the workplace can make employees feel more appreciated and increase wellbeing. To bring more fun, look for new hobby club ideas and make space for people to gather and play. Consider team-building exercises, like trips to the theater or an escape room. Even a weekly group lunch with catered food can feel fun and exciting.
