The Evolution of “Circles” in 2025 to Promote Agility and Empowerment
DPL Circles are constantly growing, engaging Rebels further based on their interests.
Launched in 2022, DPL Circles are employee-led groups formed around shared interests. They aim to support personal and professional growth beyond regular work tasks.
The initiative stems from the company’s commitment to agile values. In agile setups, managers have a minimal role as approvals and decisions don’t come from the top. Instead, employees are encouraged to take part equally in planning, discussions, and decisions.
Circles bring this idea to life and show how agility works in real situations, not just in theory.
Each of these isn’t created or managed by HR, the CEO, or any senior team members. Instead, they’re completely led by Rebels themselves. Whether at the office as a full-time employee or an intern, anyone can suggest a new Circle.
For a proposal to be accepted, it needs to meet two main conditions:
- At least 15 members are interested in joining and supporting the Circle
- A clear purpose showing how members grow physically, socially, and/or mentally
Once a Circle is approved, DPL provides the necessary funds such as subscription fees or venue fees. For that, Circles need to organize at least one activity per month and share updates and photos. This further helps attract more people to join.
As of April 2025, the following Circles are active:
- Fitness Club – Launched last year, this Circle welcomes members who are either fitness enthusiast or just looking to add a bit more movement to your routine. It also comes up with events such as cycling adventures and indoor workouts.
- Rebel Football Club – Meeting up weekly, Rebels enjoy a friendly yet heated football or futsal match. Since its inception two years ago, this initiative encourages team sports and bonding.
- DPL Rebel Speakers – The first ever Circle, DPL Rebel Speakers, has been active for four years. It’s an official Toastmasters International club, helping members and guests improve their speaking, presentation, and debating skills.
- Rebel Cricket Club – This Circle has been going strong for 1.5 years. It brings together cricket enthusiasts for matches regularly.
While currently less active than the above, the following initiatives have made an impact on Rebels:
- Adventure Club – Launched three years ago, this initiative was formed by hiking enthusiasts. While it has been a while since the Circle arranged an event, some members are trying to bring it back.
- The Black Spine Society – Currently being restructured, the Black Spine Society promotes reading by setting up a bookshelf at work. Members would decide on a book each month and hold open discussions.
- Rebel E-Gaming Circle – With many video gaming enthusiasts at DPL, it was only natural to have such a circle. Though inactive, getting a new PlayStation 5 Pro may restore it to its glory.
All the planning, organizing, and promoting of Circle activities is done by the members themselves. Founding members usually take the lead first, then divide tasks among others. Meanwhile, DPL Rebel Speakers is managed by the Executive Committee (ExCom) as per TMI’s rules.
Participation is always optional considering how busy Rebels are with work. However, members often self-organize and encourage consistent attendance to keep the Circle active and thriving.
“DPL Circles are more than just a series of activities,” commented a member of DPL’s Culture Committee. “They help Rebels from different teams connect and communicate. So, they can interact, learn about each other’s roles, and stay updated on different projects happening across the company.”
More proposals for Circles are on their way, so new ones may be rolled out soon. This testifies to DPL abiding by agile values and building a culture where teamwork, learning, and self-leadership are part of everyday work.
