BY LYDIA VIDAL.
All human beings share an essential need: to feel that what we do matters, that we add value, that we grow, evolve, and that our work has an impact on those around us. As we begin a new year, many take this time to celebrate all that has been achieved—surely a lot—and also to reflect on what may have been left unfinished.
For those who feel that the unfinished weighs heavily, an alternative exists: adopting the strategy of water and finding that small path through which we can move forward, flow, and create—even in the workplace. This means taking ownership of what is possible, where we are, and activating change in a way that aligns with who we want to be and what we want to see in the world.
A powerful way to do this is through intrapreneurship—the ability to be entrepreneurial within your workplace, to lead projects, generate innovative ideas, and contribute meaningfully to your organization.
Intrapreneurship: A Win-Win for Everyone
Intrapreneurship has a transformative impact; it is an opportunity to connect with what motivates us,offer solutions that improve our environment, and create meaningful change in the organization.
Companies that embrace intrapreneurship benefit in multiple ways: they not only retain talentbut also foster an environment where people feel motivated to give their best. It also serves as a powerful tool for driving innovation, increasing employee engagement, and enhancing collaboration. For collaborators, it is a way of leading their own developmentexploring new skills and feeling valued.
The impact of intrapreneurship on employees::
- It allows them to explore new areas of interest and acquire skills that enrich their professional growth.
- Promotes recognition by seeing that their own ideas are heard and valued.
- It reduces burnout and increases job satisfaction by connecting with a sense of purpose.
The impact of intrapreneurship on Companies and HR::
- It drives innovation from within, leveraging the knowledge and ideas of those who are in direct contact with daily challenges.
- It improves engagement and talent retention, as employees feel they have an active and meaningful role.
- It strengthens collaboration and teamwork,creating a more horizontal and dynamic environment.
Real Cases of Successful Intrapreneurship
At Google, employees have the opportunity to dedicate 20% of their time to personal projects related to the company. Thanks to this initiative, Gmail was born, a product that not only transformed digital communication but also positioned Google as a benchmark in internal innovation.
At 3M, employees can work on their own ideas outside of their main responsibilities. This is how the iconic Post-it Notes were created, a product that marked a before and after in productivity, demonstrating how supporting creativity benefits both the employee and the company.
Adobe developed a program called Kickbox, which provides employees with resources, initial funding, and a methodology to develop their ideas. This approach not only generated innovative projects but also strengthened motivation and autonomy within teams.
How to Activate Intrapreneurship in Your Work Environment
- 1, Identify Your Interests and Areas for Improvement
Reflect on what motivates you most in your job and on the areas where you could contribute something new. Are there processes that could be more efficient? Are there ideas that could improve the customer or team experience? - 2. Prototype and Present Your Ideas
Start with a simple proposal, something you can test quickly with few resources. Present the impact it could have and seek allies within your team or in other departments. - 3. Rely on Your Organization
Many companies are already open to intrapreneurship. Look for internal programs, innovation spaces, or people who can help you develop your project.
The challenge for HR is not to do everything alone, but to create an environment where people feel empowered to undertake from within, lead their own projects, and collaborate in more horizontal structures.
Instead of looking outside, intrapreneurship invites you to look inside —inside yourself and inside your organization. It is a reminder that the place where you are can be the fertile ground for developing your talent and building something great.
When people and companies walk together toward success, everyone wins. Because intrapreneurship is not just a work philosophy; it is a way to transform the way we live and work.
How can you start? Think of a project where you can contribute, visualize its impact, and propose a plan to make it happen. The future of talent is not just managing it but sharing the responsibility of making it grow.
Intrapreneurship is much more than working; it is growing and transforming.
