Why Understanding What Your Employees LOVE is Good for Business

In the world of Human Resources, we often talk a lot about skills, metrics, KPIs and deliverables. We look at what people can do, what they are qualified to do, or what their job demands they do.

But at Ikigai HR Consulting (also known as Ig-hr), we like to look at the bigger picture.

Our name is inspired by the Japanese philosophy of Ikigai (生き甲斐), which translates to your "reason for being" beautiful sweet spot where fulfillment, passion, and purpose meet.

True Ikigai is found at the intersection of four elements:

1. What you are good at
2. What the world needs
3. What you can be paid for
4. What you LOVE

While businesses are traditionally great at managing the "paid for" and "needed" quadrants, the element of LOVE is too often left out of the corporate equation. And here’s the secret: understanding what your employees love shouldn't stop at the office doors.

Here is why knowing what your people love (both inside and outside of work) is the ultimate leadership superpower.

1. Inside the Office: Passion Drives Performance

There is a massive difference between an employee who does a job because they have to, and one who does it because they enjoy it. 

When people find enjoyment in their work, they enter a state of "flow." They are more creative, more resilient when challenges arise, and inherently motivated to go the extra mile. By intentionally weaving the tasks they enjoy into their daily roles, you unlock a new level of enthusiasm. Even in the most mundane of roles - find a way to make things fun!

2. Outside the Office: The Key to Motivation

As leaders, we often make the mistake of assuming everyone is motivated by the same corporate carrots (promotions, titles or public praise). But true motivation is deeply personal and it's often fueled by what happens outside of work.

When you take the time to learn that an employee is passionate about training for marathons, volunteering at an animal shelter, or spending quality time cooking with their kids, you gain the key to what actually drives them. Knowing their outside of work loves allows you to support the life they want to build. A leader who respects and encourages an employee's external passions creates profound loyalty.

3. It’s the Ultimate Antidote to Burnout

Wellbeing isn’t just about offering yoga apps or fruit baskets; it’s about acknowledging that employees are whole human beings. When a workplace demands 100% of a person's identity, burnout is inevitable. Conversely, when a leader actively supports an employee's hobbies and passions outside of work. By respecting boundaries and offering true flexibility, they protect that employee's mental health. Allowing people the time and energy to do what they love outside of work ensures they return to work re-energised and focused.

4. It Unlocks Hidden Potential

Sometimes, the passions your employees pursue in their personal lives can bring unexpected value to your business. By opening up a dialogue about what they love, you might discover that your accountant has a passion for photography, or your customer service rep is a natural at organising community events. Recognising these holistic strengths allows you to invite their whole self to work, creating opportunities for them to shine in ways a rigid job description never would allow.

The Ikigai Takeaway. A truly great workplace is one where employees understand how their role fits into the bigger picture. By taking the time to discover what your people love (both in their careers and in their personal lives) you aren't just improving employee satisfaction. You are helping them achieve true Ikigai, creating a culture rooted in purpose, wellbeing and mutual respect.

When your team finds their reason for being, your business thrives.

Want to learn how to align your team’s passions with your business goals? Let’s chat about how we can help you build a workplace that motivates the whole person.

0151 272 3476

support@ig-hr.co.uk