Why can’t work be more like Glastonbury?

This weekend, I traded in my corporate attire for festival gear and headed to Glastonbury. Yes, the iconic music festival! Amidst the incredible performances, the eclectic crowd, and the sea of tents, I had a thought: why can't work be more like Glastonbury? How do we get more energy, creativity, and sheer vibrancy into  our professional lives without the booze and drugs of course!!!

Embracing the Festival Energy at Work

 Glastonbury is a whirlwind of excitement, spontaneity, and creativity. It's a place where people come together to celebrate music, art, and life. I don’t think I’ve ever experienced such communal euphoria! Everyone is there for one reason only - to have a great time! This got me thinking—what if we could re-create that communal euphoria at work - to be as free, energised, and creative at work as we are at a festival? Imagine the impact it would have on our productivity, innovation, and overall work satisfaction. Are there a few ways we could look at this?

Creativity and Innovation

Festivals are all about breaking the mould and trying new things. Similarly, in the workplace, creativity and innovation thrive when we step out of our comfort zones and experiment. Just like artists at Glastonbury push boundaries with their performances, we can push boundaries in our projects and ideas.

Community and Collaboration:

 One of the most beautiful aspects of Glastonbury is the sense of community. Strangers become friends, and there's a collective spirit of support and collaboration. Imagine if we brought that same sense of camaraderie to our workplaces! By fostering a supportive and collaborative environment, I’m sure we could achieve incredible results together.

Energy and Enthusiasm

I’m not sure I can even put into words what it feels like to sing along to Cold Play with another 150,000 people! The energy at a music festival is palpable—people are genuinely excited and engaged. Bringing that level of enthusiasm to our work could make a significant difference. When we're passionate and energetic about what we do, it not only boosts our own morale but also inspires those around us.

Diversity and Inclusion 

The outfits, the flags the vast array of different styles of music is phenomenal - a melting pot of diverse sounds, ideas, and experiences. Our workplaces could surely benefit from embracing such diversity and inclusivity. At Glastonbury, every performance adds a unique flavour to the overall experience. In the same way, every team member's unique skills and perspectives contribute to the richness of our work environment.

 Finding Inspiration in the Unlikely

It's easy to think of work and personal life as separate entities, but the truth is, they often intersect in meaningful ways. My experience at Glastonbury reminded me that inspiration can come from the most unlikely places. Whether it's the creativity of a street artist, the resilience of festival-goers braving those hideous toilets or the harmony of a band playing together, there are lessons to be learned and applied to our professional lives.

“That sounds great Jo, I’d love a Glasto vibe at work, but how do I do that?”

Well, I’ll be the first to admit, this one might be a little tough to achieve!! But, I do think we could start a new revolution and make the change we want to see in our workplaces.

Imagine if we brought some of that festival spirit into our office routines—more spontaneous brainstorming sessions, casual dress codes that let us feel comfortable and expressive, or even themed days to spark creativity. Injecting a bit of that festival magic could transform our workplaces into hubs of innovation and collaboration, whilst enjoying a lovely office space and environment, with actual flushing toilets!

Festivals are a melting pot of new and innovative ideas. We should encourage an open-minded approach at work where new ideas are welcomed and explored. You never know where the next big breakthrough might come from!

Some days, I’ll be honest, I don’t feel super inspired and up for it. But if I force myself to be positive and energised—just faking it for a few minutes—I can trick my mind into feeling it. Before I know it, I’m genuinely back in the game, feeling the energy of my team or my clients. Scientists have shown that positivity leads to endorphins being released, which opens up the creative neuro pathways. And BOOM! within moments, we’re back feeling the Glastonbury vibes! I encourage you to give it a try.

 As someone who thrives on creativity and loves to inject a bit of fun into everything I do, Glastonbury was a revelation. It reminded me of the importance of staying true to myself and bringing my whole self to work. Balancing the serious with the silly, the polished with the raw, and the professional with the personal can create a more dynamic and fulfilling work life.

So, next time you find yourself in an unlikely place, remember that inspiration is everywhere. Embrace it, harness it, and let it energise your professional life. Whether it’s a music festival, a walk in the park, or a conversation with a friend, you have the power to bring that energy and creativity back to work with you.

If you want to delve deeper into this topic and many others related to being at your best at work, then do get in touch. Let’s embark on this journey together!