Chennai: A study by IIT Madras proposes incorporating artistic therapies in corporate environments to enhance employee performance and agility.

Researchers, Prof. V Vijayalakshmi and her doctoral student Ms. Janani M., from the Department of Management Studies, highlight the potential of art-based therapies to improve corporate culture and employee well-being.

The study, published in the Journal of Organizational Change Management, outlines various artistic methods such as visual arts, music, movement, and theatre to foster creativity, innovation, and positive workplace behaviors.

Prof. Vijayalakshmi emphasizes that experiential and artistic methods can surpass traditional training by creating a positive mood and encouraging metaphorical thinking.

The concept of 'Workforce Agility' is central to the study, suggesting that empowering employees to adapt constructively to organizational challenges can enhance their performance. The proposed 'Intermodal Arts-Based Intervention' (IABI) aims to integrate diverse art modalities, helping employees navigate complex work situations and ethical dilemmas.

Ms. Janani M. notes that this approach could shift corporate training from traditional to experiential, fostering better internal and external communication and collaboration among employees.

The research underscores the importance of maintaining the creative needs of employees to sustain their motivation and productivity, particularly in the face of market volatility and organizational changes.

By engaging with the arts, employees can explore alternative realities, anticipate future challenges, and engage in proactive problem-solving, leading to a more dynamic and resilient workforce.