At Newstel, we believe in building not just a company, but a community. As a global, multilingual organisation spread across four distinct locations, we’ve always embraced flexibility and diversity as our strengths. Yet, when the results of our latest employee engagement survey revealed a recurring theme – social isolation – we knew it was time to act.
With some accounts operating with as few as one or two agents, remote work, while convenient, had inadvertently created pockets of disconnection. In response, we launched a new initiative: Newstel Clubs – a grassroots programme aimed at bringing people together through shared passions, outside of their daily tasks.
The Vision Behind the Clubs
The clubs are more than just social groups – they’re intentional spaces designed to strengthen cross-functional engagement, build informal support networks, and uplift morale across all roles and locations. Whether someone is passionate about gaming, gardening, cooking, or film, the idea is simple: connect over what you love, not just what you do.
Grounded in our core values of inclusivity, innovation, and community, the initiative offers all employees – regardless of role or seniority – an opportunity to step into a more vibrant, participatory culture.
The Journey: From Idea to Implementation
The journey began with thoughtful planning. We crafted a clear and inclusive Code of Conduct to ensure all clubs would operate in a respectful, welcoming, and safe environment. It was important for us to provide structure while allowing room for creativity. Once the foundational policies were in place, we introduced the concept during internal team meetings and via our internal communication channels.
The initial response was modest. Change often takes time. But within just a few days, interest began to snowball – proving that the appetite for connection was not just present, but eager to flourish.
A Movement Gains Momentum
Today, we’re proud to share that 45% of Newstel’s global workforce has joined a club, a milestone that far exceeds our Year 1 goal of 30%. Dedicated Slack channels have been created, intros exchanged, and plans put into motion. Employees are now actively engaging, collaborating, and building friendships, both virtually and in person.
Club leads are already coordinating meet-ups, planning monthly sessions, and documenting activity summaries to ensure continued support and visibility. These aren’t just informal meet-ups, they’re becoming touchpoints of belonging.
Examples of Our Growing Club Network
From the Fitness Enthusiasts and Culinary Circle, to Travel Lovers, Film & TV Buffs, and Gaming guild, the breadth of club options speaks to the rich diversity within our teams. Here are just a few of the clubs already thriving:
- 🎮 Gaming Guild – Hosting virtual tournaments and live streams.
- 📚 Book Club – Exchanging reads and setting up global video discussions.
- 🌱 Plants & Gardening Club – Sharing plant care tips and urban gardening hacks.
- 🎶 Music Club – Creating collaborative playlists and discussing new releases.
- 👶 Parents Club – Offering peer support for working parents navigating balance.
Each club has its own flavour, its own rhythm, but the common thread is unmistakable: genuine connection.
Leading with Support
Leadership at Newstel doesn’t just approve clubs; we champion them. Each leadership member is assigned up to two clubs to mentor and support. While their presence in meetings is optional, their role in amplifying achievements and ensuring visibility is key. Working closely with our Marketing Manager, these moments are now being highlighted across our platforms, celebrating creativity, commitment, and camaraderie.
A Look Ahead
This initiative is still in its early days, but the signs are promising. With a participation rate of nearly half our team already, we’re not just reducing isolation, we’re cultivating culture.
As club meetings evolve into meaningful relationships and new ideas take flight, we look forward to sharing their stories more broadly. The upcoming months will bring a wave of photos, event recaps, and community moments that we’ll proudly showcase on our LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook channels. These glimpses into our employee experience will not only reinforce morale internally – they’ll broadcast what we stand for to the world.
Final Thoughts
The Employee-Led Clubs initiative is more than just an HR programme, it’s a reflection of what makes Newstel special: our people. By investing in community, we’re fuelling creativity, engagement, and a sense of shared purpose that transcends titles and time zones.
So whether you’re swapping recipes, debating your favourite film endings, or planning your next group hike, know that at Newstel, you belong.
