True Corporation Fosters Employee Connection Through Interest-Based Clubs

Brickinfo News Agency – True Corporation has launched a series of employee clubs designed to help staff reconnect with personal interests and build stronger relationships within the workplace. The initiative, driven by True’s Human Resources team, aims to cultivate an open organizational culture that values diversity and promotes employee well-being. These clubs provide a dedicated space for employees to engage in activities they enjoy, fostering a sense of belonging and community.

The concept aligns with findings from Perceptyx, an employee experience analytics company, which indicates that employees involved in interest-based groups are more likely to feel a sense of belonging within their organizations. True currently offers eight clubs, including basketball, football, badminton, running, music, True Volunteers, travel, and the “Bring Your Best” club. Representatives from each of these clubs recently shared their experiences, highlighting how the clubs have enabled them to rediscover hobbies and forge new friendships across diverse departments.

Many employees shared stories of rediscovering long-lost passions. Sarunyoo Lavankura, president of the Badminton Club and from the Network Planning, Engineering & Operation team, noted, “I’ve been playing badminton since I was a kid… But I stopped playing for almost a decade. I only got back into it when True launched the club last year.”

Eakarin Ponvattana, treasurer of the Football Club from the Procurement & Logistics team, added that colleagues in their 50s expressed interest in joining, leading to team arrangements that allowed for broad participation. The clubs officially launched in August 2024, with HR supporting initial meet-ups and the formation of official club committees to ensure regular activities.

The clubs are designed as inclusive spaces, free from pressure or competition, where employees can connect regardless of position, gender, age, or skill level.

Sankaworn Sattayamongkol from the Innovation Center, a member of the Basketball Club, recalled their first gathering: “Our first meet-up took place at the basketball court on the 13th floor of the True Ratchada office. Everyone came fully prepared to play… Female employees and LGBTQ+ members also joined. Many of us had never met before, but our shared love for basketball brought us together.”

Sumala Wongkham, president of the Travel Club from the Digital Communications team, described a successful first camping and reforesting trip, noting that participants who were initially strangers quickly formed bonds.

Beyond personal enjoyment, club participation has led to skill development and increased motivation. Alongkorn Srimuang, vice president of the Running Club from the Workplace Management team, shared how experienced teammates provided techniques that helped him progress from casual running to completing mini-marathons and full marathons.

Adisorn Atikomchakorn, president of the Music Club from the Internal Communications team, highlighted how rehearsals and performances fostered learning, with members exploring new musical genres and performance styles together. Many clubs now hold regular activities, with some sports clubs organizing external matches, requiring transparent selection processes to build competitive teams.

The True Volunteers Club focuses on social impact, enabling employees to engage directly with True’s social missions. Piluntanee Panichpat, president of the True Volunteers Club and a member of the Corporate Relations team, emphasized the club’s role in allowing employees to “participate” rather than “just be informed” about CSR activities.

She cited an “Art from the Heart” activity with the Autistic Thai Foundation and an upcoming book donation drive initiated by club members. The Bring Your Best Club, co-led by Suchin Saeng-la-or from the Sustainability Development team, aims to create a safe space for women, LGBTQ+ employees, and people with disabilities. The club held a workshop on workplace harassment, providing education and fostering open discussion among all genders.

A key factor in the clubs’ success has been the involvement of company executives who not only provide support but also actively participate in activities.

Sarunyoo noted that during a Badminton Club game with Nakul, a Co-CFO, “Once we were on the court, no one held back. There were no titles or hierarchies—just all of us playing together.” Executives from various departments have joined club activities, including Tanaphon (CMO) with the Basketball Club, Chakkrit (CCAO) with the Music Club, Yupa (Co-CFO) with the Running Club, Prathet (CTISO) with the True Volunteers Club, and Ekaraj (CDO & CBO) with the Football Club.

Employees report that the clubs have brought new energy to their work and personal lives, fostering connections and enhancing overall enjoyment.