Pony Louder Literary

Writer in residence • Literary salons • Retreats & travel

New era of reading

Reading behaviours are shifting, becoming more social. Books expose us to new ideas and ways of thinking, and people want to talk about those ideas.


At the same time, organisations are exploring the business advantage this can deliver. Fiction strengthens many of the skills people use at work. Research confirms it supports empathy, focus and cognitive flexibility. Other studies point to greater curiosity and creativity: deeply human qualities increasingly valued in the workplace.


Literary programming can be seen as a benefit, like gym membership. It is an established way to build belonging that employees want to be part of.


As a novelist, I’d add that it’s also fun.

‘I came for the books, but I kept coming back for the sense of community Pony created. It quickly became a regular fixture in my calendar, thanks to the rich, wide-ranging conversations we had that always left me with something new to think about’

Honor B. Poulton, Vice President, Trinity Group

Bring literature into the room

Organisations are looking beyond conventional wellbeing and training programmes.

A shared read turns a room of individuals into conversation. If you’re building culture within your organisation, we can help.

Courtesy of Fora

‘Pony fostered a collaborative and inclusive space where we all felt comfortable sharing our thoughts and questions. It quickly became a monthly milestone I always looked forward to’

Nicholas Wight, Senior Data Scientist at Ocado Technologies