Executive Summary

Kitsters successfully implemented a series of DIY creative stations across Google offices, providing employees with hands-on activities that promoted team building, stress relief, and cultural celebration. These experiential activities resulted in improved employee morale, enhanced cross-departmental communication, and created a more vibrant workplace culture.

Client Background

Google, a global technology leader with offices worldwide, sought innovative ways to enhance employee experience, celebrate cultural diversity, and facilitate team bonding beyond traditional corporate activities. With a workforce experiencing high-stress levels due to demanding projects and deadlines, Google needed solutions that would genuinely engage employees while providing creative outlets.

Challenges

1. Employees working in silos with limited cross-team interaction
2. High workplace stress impacting productivity and morale
3. Need for meaningful cultural celebrations that resonated with diverse workforce
4. Creating welcoming experiences for employees in newly opened office locations
5. Finding activities that appeal to a technically-minded workforce

Kitsters Solution

Kitsters designed and implemented a comprehensive program of DIY stations tailored to Google's specific needs and corporate calendar. The program included:

1. Festival Celebration Stations

1. Diwali Diya Painting: Employees decorated traditional clay lamps with vibrant colors and patterns, learning about the cultural significance while creating personalized decorations.
2. Holi Color Celebrations: Creative activities inspired by the festival of colors, allowing employees to express themselves through vibrant art projects.

2. Monthly Wellness Stations

1. Perfume Making Workshops: Employees created custom scents using essential oils, learning about aromatherapy benefits while crafting personalized products.
2. Canvas Painting Sessions: Guided painting activities that encouraged creative expression regardless of artistic background.
3. Pebble Painting: Mindfulness-focused activity where employees created decorative painted stones, often incorporating company values or personal mantras.

3. New Office Welcome Activities

1. Tote Bag Customization: New team members designed personal tote bags, creating useful items that reflected their personalities.
2. Collaborative Art Installations: Team-based projects where employees contributed to larger art pieces for office decoration, fostering immediate collaboration.

4. Team Building Experiences

1. Paper Flower Making: Departments worked together creating elaborate paper flower arrangements for office spaces.
2. Group Craft Challenges: Friendly competitions between teams using various DIY techniques, encouraging problem-solving and teamwork.

Implementation Strategy

Kitsters worked closely with Google's HR and Employee Experience teams to strategically schedule DIY stations throughout the year. Each station was:

1. Designed to accommodate drop-in participation, allowing employees to engage according to their schedules
2. Fully supplied with premium materials and clear instructions
3. Facilitated by Kitsters experts who guided participants through techniques
4. Themed to align with company initiatives, seasons, or cultural celebrations
5. Documented through photos (with permission) to share the experience across offices

Results and Impact

Quantitative Outcomes

1. 87% of participants reported feeling more relaxed after participating in DIY activities
2. 73% made connections with colleagues from different departments during the activities
3. Monthly activities saw consistent attendance growth, with a 35% increase in participation over the first year
4. Post-activity surveys showed a 41% increase in self-reported creativity levels

Qualitative Benefits

1. Enhanced Team Dynamics: Managers reported improved communication between team members who had participated in DIY stations together.
2. Cultural Appreciation: Increased understanding and appreciation of diverse cultural celebrations across the workforce.
3. Stress Reduction: Employees cited the DIY activities as effective "mental breaks" that helped reset focus and reduce workplace tension.
4. Office Aesthetics: The created items decorated office spaces, adding personality and warmth to the work environment.
5. Skill Development: Many participants discovered new creative abilities and hobbies they continued to pursue outside of work.

Testimonials

"The DIY stations Kitsters provided became something our team looked forward to each month. I've had more meaningful conversations with colleagues while painting canvases than in many formal team-building exercises." - Engineering Manager, Google

"As someone who relocated to a new Google office, the welcome activities helped me connect with my new colleagues in a relaxed, creative environment. The tote bag I designed still gets compliments!" - UX Designer, Google

"The Diwali diya painting was incredibly special for me. As someone who celebrates this festival, seeing my colleagues embrace and enjoy this cultural activity made me feel truly included." - Product Manager, Google

Conclusion

The partnership between Kitsters and Google demonstrates how thoughtfully designed creative activities can transform workplace culture. By providing hands-on, engaging experiences that break the monotony of corporate routines, Kitsters helped Google create meaningful connections among employees while celebrating diversity and promoting wellbeing.

The DIY stations proved to be more than just fun activities – they became strategic tools for enhancing workplace satisfaction, reducing stress, and fostering a collaborative environment where innovation could flourish. As Google continues to prioritize employee experience, Kitsters remains a trusted partner in bringing creative engagement solutions to their offices worldwide.

About Kitsters

Kitsters specializes in creating premium DIY experiences for corporate environments. Our expertly designed creative stations bring teams together through hands-on activities that promote wellbeing, collaboration, and cultural celebration. From festival-themed workshops to ongoing employee engagement programs, Kitsters delivers meaningful experiences that transform workplace culture.