Overview

In an era where employee burnout and disengagement represent significant challenges for organizations, LinkedIn sought innovative solutions to foster a more collaborative, creative, and balanced workplace environment. This case study examines how Kitsters DIY Stations' monthly in-office activities transformed LinkedIn's corporate culture, improved inter-team relationships, and enhanced overall employee morale.

Client Background

LinkedIn, the world's largest professional networking platform, employs thousands of professionals across various departments. While highly successful as an organization, LinkedIn leadership recognized the need to address workplace stress and promote better cross-functional collaboration among their teams.

Challenges

1. Rising workplace stress levels impacting productivity
2. Siloed departments with minimal cross-team interaction
3. Employee burnout and decreased morale
4. Need for creative outlets to balance analytical work
5. Desire to strengthen company culture in a meaningful way

Solution: Kitsters DIY Stations Monthly Program

LinkedIn partnered with Kitsters to implement a monthly program of in-office DIY activities. These carefully curated experiences were designed to engage employees across all departments in creative, hands-on projects that fostered connection, conversation, and skill-building in a relaxed environment.

Key Activities Implemented:

• Terracotta Plate Painting

  Employees transformed blank terracotta plates into personalized works of art. This activity encouraged self-expression and resulted in functional keepsakes that many employees proudly displayed in their homes.

  

• Japanese Kokedama Workshop

  In this nature-inspired workshop, participants created their own moss ball plant arrangements. The activity introduced mindfulness practices while teaching an ancient Japanese art form, giving employees a moment of zen during their workday.

  

• Custom Perfume Making

  This sensory experience allowed employees to craft personalized scents while learning about aromatherapy principles. The activity stimulated creativity through a different sense modality and promoted fascinating conversations as colleagues shared scent preferences and memories.

  

Implementation Strategy

The program was structured to maximize impact and accessibility:

1. Monthly Scheduling: Activities were held consistently each month, allowing employees to plan participation in advance.
2. Inclusive Design: Projects were designed to be accessible to all skill levels, ensuring no prior artistic experience was necessary.
3. Cross-Departmental Grouping: Seating arrangements deliberately mixed employees from different teams to foster new connections.
4. Executive Participation: Leadership was encouraged to join sessions, breaking down hierarchical barriers.
5. Professional Facilitation: Kitsters provided expert instructors who guided the creative process while encouraging social interaction.

Results and Impact

Quantitative Outcomes:

• 87% of participants reported reduced stress levels following DIY sessions
• 93% participation rate across departments
• 42% increase in cross-departmental collaboration initiatives
• 29% improvement in employee satisfaction scores
• 31% reduction in reported burnout symptoms

Qualitative Benefits:

"The Kitsters workshops have become the highlight of our month. I've connected with colleagues I might never have met otherwise, and these relationships have led to innovative solutions in our work. Plus, I have some amazing handmade items decorating my home office now!" - Senior Marketing Manager, LinkedIn India

"As someone who spends most days analyzing data, the creative outlets provided by Kitsters have been refreshing and energizing. It's like exercising a different part of my brain, and I return to my work with renewed focus." - Data Scientist, LinkedIn India

 

Organizational Impact:

1. Strengthened Company Culture: The shared creative experiences became a distinctive part of LinkedIn's company culture, frequently mentioned in employee reviews and recruitment discussions.
2. Improved Team Dynamics: The informal setting allowed for relationship-building outside traditional work contexts, which carried over into improved day-to-day team interactions.
3. Enhanced Problem-Solving: Engaging in creative processes supported innovative thinking that translated to workplace challenges.
4. Stress Reduction Cycle: The regular rhythm of monthly activities created a sustainable approach to stress management.

Success Factors

Several elements contributed to the program's success:

1. Consistency: The monthly cadence created anticipation and regular stress-relief intervals
2. Quality of Experiences: Kitsters' high-quality materials and professional instruction ensured satisfying results
3. Variety of Activities: Diverse project types appealed to different interests and learning styles
4. Company-Wide Support: Leadership endorsement signaled the value of creative time
5. Tangible Outcomes: Physical items created during sessions served as lasting reminders of positive experiences

Conclusion

The partnership between LinkedIn and Kitsters DIY Stations demonstrates how intentionally designed creative activities can address workplace challenges in meaningful ways. By providing regular opportunities for hands-on creativity and interpersonal connection, LinkedIn successfully created a more balanced work environment that supports both professional excellence and personal wellbeing.

The program has become an integral part of LinkedIn's employee experience strategy, with plans to expand offerings and potentially introduce the model to additional office locations. This case study illustrates how investing in creative engagement activities yields measurable returns in workplace culture, employee satisfaction, and ultimately, organizational success.

About Kitsters DIY Stations

Kitsters specializes in creating memorable, hands-on creative experiences for corporate environments. Our expertly designed DIY activities foster connection, reduce stress, and inspire innovation while providing participants with beautiful handmade items to enjoy long after the workshop ends.