Executive Summary

This case study examines how Kitsters DIY Stations partnered with PwHC to implement monthly in-office creative activities that significantly improved employee engagement, fostered interdepartmental collaboration, and boosted overall workplace morale. The program's success demonstrates the tangible benefits of integrating structured creative outlets into corporate environments.

Client Background

PwHC, a leading professional services firm, identified a need to address workplace stress and improve team cohesion across departments. The company sought innovative solutions that would break down silos between teams while providing employees with meaningful stress-relief activities.

Challenge

PwHC faced several workplace challenges common in high-pressure professional environments:

- Limited interaction between departments and teams
- High stress levels affecting productivity and employee satisfaction
- Declining employee morale and engagement metrics
- Need for creative outlets in a traditionally analytical work environment

Solution: Kitsters DIY Stations

Kitsters developed a customized program of monthly in-office creative activities designed to address PwHC's specific challenges:

Program Structure

Kitsters implemented a series of guided creative workshops, each lasting 60-90 minutes, scheduled during lunch hours or as afternoon breaks. Activities were carefully selected to accommodate varying skill levels and to promote interaction.

Featured Activities

The program included a diverse range of hands-on creative experiences:

- Mug Marbling: Employees created personalized marbled ceramic mugs using specialized paints and dipping techniques.
- Coaster Decoration: Teams collaborated to design complementary sets of resin coasters with customized patterns and colors.
- UV Resin Keychain Making: Participants crafted personalized keychains incorporating company colors and personal mementos.
- Seasonal Crafts: Holiday-themed activities that aligned with cultural celebrations throughout the year.
- Collaborative Art Projects: Departments worked together to create larger art installations for office display.

Implementation Approach

Each session was structured to maximize engagement and outcomes:

1. Pre-Session Planning: Kitsters worked with HR to identify optimal timing and activity selection.
2. Professional Facilitation: Experienced Kitsters instructors guided each session, providing expert assistance.
3. All-Inclusive Materials: High-quality supplies were provided for each participant, eliminating barriers to participation.
4. Cross-Department Seating: Strategic grouping encouraged interaction between employees from different teams.
5. Take-Home Creations: Participants kept their finished projects, extending the positive experience beyond the workshop.

Results and Impact

Quantitative Outcomes

PwHC measured significant improvements across key metrics:

- 78% increase in cross-department collaboration initiatives
- 32% reduction in reported workplace stress levels
- 41% improvement in employee satisfaction scores
- 93% participation rate across eligible employees
- 27% decrease in unplanned absences in the month following activities

Qualitative Benefits

Feedback from participants and management highlighted several intangible benefits:

"The Kitsters activities have become the highlight of our month. I've met colleagues from other departments I never would have interacted with otherwise, which has made collaboration on actual work projects much smoother." - Senior Manager, Tax Division

"After the resin keychain workshop, my team was noticeably more energized for the rest of the week. These creative breaks have become essential to our productivity cycle." - Team Lead, Audit Department

Implementation Insights

Key factors that contributed to the program's success:

Strategic Scheduling

Activities were scheduled during typically high-stress periods of the month, providing timely relief when most needed.

Inclusive Design

Activities were designed to be accessible regardless of artistic ability, ensuring everyone could participate successfully.

Management Participation

Leadership engagement in the activities modeled the importance of creative breaks and fostered more open communication across hierarchical levels.

Physical Environment Impact

The presence of employee-created items throughout the office spaces created visual reminders of positive shared experiences. 

Conclusion

The partnership between Kitsters DIY Stations and PwHC demonstrates how structured creative activities can transform workplace culture and address common challenges in professional environments. By integrating monthly hands-on workshops, PwHC successfully broke the stress cycle, fostered meaningful cross-departmental relationships, and enhanced overall employee satisfaction.

The program's success has led to its expansion across additional PwHC office locations, with plans to incorporate quarterly larger-scale collaborative projects in the coming year.