When a member of your team is able to stand up and share a talent they enjoy, outside of their normal workflow, the entire team begins to see that individual as a fuller, more complete human being, and that is a very empowering feeling.
In an organisation of thirty-five to forty employees, it can be all too common for a member to be defined solely by his/her title; The Data Person, The Social Media Person, The Lead Gen Person. Titles help to define roles, but they do not capture the fullness of a person.That’s why iARATech has implemented “You Are Awesome Saturday” as a way to break free from that narrow definition of an employee and provide the opportunity for every member to be seen in a new light.
You Are Awesome Saturday is a time for two members of the iARATech team to take centre stage and do whatever they want, without any expectations. It may be a skill they have been practising in private, a story they have wanted to tell, a performance, a poem, a passion project, or a lesson learned in their life. Whatever makes sense to them, and the rest of the team shows up to watch and witness their fellow team members’ unique moments.The purpose of You Are Awesome Saturday is deceptively simple, yet its effects are much deeper than the surface level. When team members come together to support and celebrate each other’s unique talents, it breaks down barriers and creates a more inclusive environment.
By providing a space for team members to express themselves in their own way, the entire team experiences a new perspective on their fellow team members. They begin to see each other as more than just an employee, as a friend, a colleague, and a human being.As a result of this weekly tradition, the team is more collaborative, more empathetic, and has a greater appreciation for the diverse talents within the organisation. This helps create an environment of trust, respect, and open communication, which ultimately leads to increased productivity.
iARATech believes that this tradition is reflective of the culture that Subhash Singh envisioned when he created the company. A culture of flexibility, understanding, and empathy is reflected in every aspect of the organisation.
Team members are not only valued for their contributions to the team during working hours (9-6), but also for who they are outside of those hours. In addition to creating a culture of inclusion and community, You Are Awesome Saturday provides a platform for confidence to grow. When team members stand before their peers and own a moment, it takes courage. Once that courage is developed in a safe space, it often translates to more courageous decision-making, innovative thinking, and stronger voices in the workplace.
There have been many surprising moments on You Are Awesome Saturday. Shy team members have stood up and left everyone speechless, hidden talents have emerged from unexpected places, laughter has carried over to the next week, and moments have become a part of the team’s collective history.
That is the real ROI of You Are Awesome Saturday. It is not measured in clicks, conversions, or dollars earned, but rather in connection.
At iARATech, we believe that the strength of the team is built on the foundation of every individual; therefore, You Are Awesome Saturday is our way of saying, “We see you, and you are more than enough,” to every single member of the team, every single Saturday.