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As the holiday season approaches, have you ever noticed how our workplaces begin to reflect the #culturaldiversity of our teams? Whether it's decorating the office, planning team lunches, or organizing year-end celebrations, this time of year can be a beautiful reminder of how diverse our traditions are - and how much they shape us. One client from Ghana shared how fufu and peanut soup are staples of year-end gatherings with family. Another described the joy of the Posada in Mexico which commemorates the journey Joseph and Mary made from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Holidays mean different things to different people, but they’re also an incredible opportunity to build trust, bond as a team, and create an environment where everyone feels valued. Why does this matter? When we embrace and celebrate our differences, we strengthen the foundation of #trust and connection to strengthen our teamwork. This creates a safe space where people feel more comfortable to: ✅ Speak up in meetings. ✅ Share ideas and give feedback. ✅ Support one another through challenges. Here’s how to “think globally” during the holidays: 1️⃣ Ask instead of assuming. Not everyone celebrates Christmas - or any holiday. Take time to learn about your team members' traditions. 2️⃣ Incorporate traditions from around the world. For example, why not include an African drum circle inspired by family gatherings? Or light candles together to reflect the spirit of Diwali? 3️⃣ Focus on shared values. Whether it’s gratitude, togetherness, or giving, these themes unite us across cultures. And now for a little holiday quiz: In Japan, what has become a surprising Christmas tradition? a) Eating KFC b) Wearing red hats c) Exchanging oranges What's your favourite holiday celebration? Please share it the comment section below. #culturalintelligence #teamwork #remoteteams #leadership

🎄 It's almost time for Christmas parties across the UK - but in a diverse business space, how can you make everyone feel included at this time of year? The simple answer is - talk to them! If you have team members in the office that don't celebrate Christmas, you might want to be mindful of that in how you communicate information about celebrations. 🎉 By reminding people that this is a chance for the team to get together and celebrate successes of the year, the emphasis is on the social aspect, rather than the Christmas part. Members of your team may still choose to sit out the Christmas celebrations for personal reasons, whether they be cultural or wellbeing - don't make a big deal out of it! There will be plenty of other chances for them to get involved in the team spirit.  You might also want to consider an alcohol-free celebration to make it as welcoming as possible, but it's not a matter of taking away the 'Christmas' part of it for the sake of inclusivity, or pivoting plans to try and suit everyone. It's about adding value elsewhere and recognising your diverse team.  Perhaps during Diwali, Eid, Yom Kippur, or any other holidays your team members observe, you could prepare other social gatherings, decorations, small gifts, or even just well wishes can go a long way to make your team members feel valued.  You could even make alternative end-of-year plans for those who prefer a quieter activity - you might be surprised by how many prefer it! 🎁 Read our blog on the topic here - and don't hesitate to reach out with any questions: https://lnkd.in/et5dNxJk #Christmas #Workculture #Wellbeing #HR

🍂 Creating Inclusive Autumn Celebrations in the Workplace 🍂 As autumn brings a variety of festive holidays, it's a great opportunity to come together as a team. Here are some ways to keep your celebrations inclusive and meaningful for everyone: 1. Recognize Diverse Traditions: From Halloween to Diwali, Día de los Muertos, Thanksgiving, and beyond, consider acknowledging and educating on multiple celebrations. Invite employees to share about traditions they value. Mitratech Circa has some great content in it's ABI tool if you are looking for a head start! 2. Offer Flexible Participation: Not everyone may feel comfortable with holiday-themed activities. Encourage employees to join events in a way that feels best for them—whether it's participating fully, observing, or simply enjoying seasonal treats. 3. Respect Dietary Needs and Preferences: Holiday foods are a big part of celebrating, but dietary needs vary. Offer a range of food and drink options, or consider alternatives to food-focused events, like a seasonal book exchange or team storytelling hour. 4. Create a Holiday-Free Space: Some people may prefer a quiet space without holiday decorations or themes. Provide holiday-free zones where employees can work in an undisturbed setting. 5. Give the Gift of Flexibility: With personal and cultural celebrations taking place, allow employees flexibility in their schedules when possible. Time off for family traditions, religious observances, or even a mental health break can make a big difference. Celebrating inclusively not only enhances company culture but also strengthens our commitment to diversity and respect. Let's make this autumn season one where everyone feels welcome and valued! 🍁 #InclusiveWorkplace #AutumnCelebrations #DiversityAndInclusion #EmployeeEngagement #WorkplaceCulture

It’s the week of Thanksgiving here in the United States. While some consider this to be the kickoff of the holiday season, I usually see late October as the start of the end-of-year festivities. Many of my friends recently celebrated Diwali, Samhain, and Halloween, and it was also the time for farmers to wrap up the harvest season. Growing up in and around farming, this period was deeply meaningful, both financially and emotionally. It often meant spending time with family members for the first time in months, as they weren't working from dawn till dusk to bring in the harvest. As many people travel to reunite with their loved ones during this season, it’s crucial for us to consider this in the policies and programs we develop for our expats, transfers, and local foreign national hires. They, too, wish to visit their families and friends, but limited leave during holidays they may not celebrate can be challenging. Implementing a cross-border remote work policy allows employees to work remotely from their home country or another country during this time. This setup can significantly enhance their ability to visit family and friends while still meeting their work commitments. Such programs can be designed to manage tax, employment, and regulatory risks, aligning with the organization's risk threshold and regulatory environment. Automation tools also exist to manage both the request process, as well as the audit process if needed. This way, we can be supportive of our employees while effectively managing organizational risks. Happy holidays, everyone! #GlobalMobility #RemoteWork #EmployeeExperience #HolidaySeason #TalentMobility #WorkLifeBalance #CrossBorderWork #OpenToWork

#SoulDeepAgencyConsulting Inclusive Holiday & New Year Communication: As we celebrate the holiday season and prepare to welcome the new year, it’s vital for organizations to ensure their communication reflects inclusivity and respect for all. We know that intentional language creates spaces where everyone feels valued and seen. Here are a few tips to consider for both the holidays and New Year messaging: For the Holiday Season: 1️⃣ Use Inclusive Greetings: Phrases like “Happy Holidays” or “Season’s Greetings” honor the variety of traditions celebrated during this time. 2️⃣ Recognize All Celebrations: Acknowledge holidays like Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Diwali, and more in your messaging. This simple gesture shows thoughtfulness and respect for diversity. 3️⃣ Avoid Assumptions: Not everyone observes the same traditions—or any at all. Encourage open sharing of personal celebrations, fostering understanding and connection. For the New Year: 4️⃣ Focus on Fresh Starts: Emphasize themes of renewal, reflection, and growth, which resonate universally. 5️⃣ Global Considerations: Recognize that not all cultures follow the Gregorian calendar. Highlight Lunar New Year or other significant transitions celebrated worldwide. 6️⃣ Be Forward-Looking: Use inclusive language that unites your team around shared goals and hopes for the coming year, regardless of individual beliefs. This season is an opportunity to celebrate the richness of our differences while focusing on what brings us together. Let’s create environments where everyone can feel included, respected, and inspired—this season and beyond. #SoulDeepAgency #InclusiveCommunication #HolidaySeason #NewYear #DiversityAndInclusion #CorporateCulture #SoulDeepMoment

The Festive Season: A Time for Connection, Reflection, and Growth As the air fills with the aroma of sweets and the streets light up with vibrant colors, there’s something undeniably magical about this time of year. In India, the festive season isn’t just about celebrating traditions—it’s about embracing the values of unity, gratitude, and joy, both in our personal lives and at work. For me, this season is a reminder of how deeply intertwined our culture and work ethics are. Festivals like Navratri, Dasara, and Deepavali are more than just holidays; they’re symbolic of new beginnings, triumphs over challenges, and the light we carry forward into every new venture. These celebrations bring us together, remind us of our shared values, and help us recharge for the months ahead. At work, I’ve always noticed how the festive season brings a sense of community, even in the busiest times. Whether it’s sharing sweets with colleagues, participating in small office rituals, or just having a moment to reflect on the year gone by, festivals create space for connection. It’s a time when team spirit is at its peak, and the positivity and energy these celebrations bring have a lasting impact on work culture. Symbolically, festivals are about balance—balancing the hard work we put in with the moments of joy we deserve. They encourage us to take a step back, appreciate the efforts of the people around us, and recognize that success is not just about the outcome but also about the journey. As we step into this festive period, let’s take the time to celebrate not just our traditions but also the small victories, the hard-earned successes, and the bonds we’ve built along the way. After all, festivals are as much about community and collaboration as they are about joy and celebration. #FestiveSeason #WorkCulture #GratitudeAndGrowth #CelebratingTogether #InspiringTogetherness

EXpressing Holiday Wishes As we celebrate the holiday season my thoughts go to employee experience design. I’ve often heard about driving or managing the employee experience from the top or the idea of it as a completely bottom up affair. To me, neither of these is correct. It’s a bringing together. Think about the holidays - Christmas, Hanukkah or back to Diwali or forward to Ramadan. Would you “drive” your holiday experience down your family or manage it? Would you think about handing it all over to your children and granting their every desire (I don’t know about you but there ain’t no way I’m buying that McLaren now that they’ve got their drivers license!). For those who have experienced this, you know how stilted and empty this can be. No, these celebrations are built to be shared experiences - shared periods of joy. There is a beautiful term in Hebrew simchah which some translate as joy but is more nuanced - it’s “the joy we share together”. There’s a sense of community and connectedness that happens in the experiences that have simchah. The same is true of Christmas - we hear merry Christmas to all and to all a good night. Ironically, the hopeful idealist tiny Tim recognizes the unity of all despite his challenges when he proclaims “God bless us everyone.” The employee experience design process embraces the same philosophy. Co-design means collaborate - it means connect- it means communicate. It’s a process in which leaders and employees dialogue with each other, listen and learn, and create better understanding. They uncover better possibilities for the future in co-designing the workplace and the future as one - as partners. So, as you approach your organization in the weeks and year to come, think back to your shared holiday experience and how you bring that same shared experience to the top, bottom and middle. Allow all the voices to harmonize together and create one song or symphony or carol greater than any individual voice - one (collective) Ode to Joy. A holiday of peace, joy, and togetherness to all.

Chill. Unplug. Repeat. The Diwali holiday season is upon us, folks! You can hear the jingling of the snacks getting prepared at home and the lit up neighbourhood of yours, and then the gentle hum of your laptop as it sighs under the weight of your unread emails. Let’s be honest: this season isn’t about spending countless hours logged in, chained to a desk, or attending another meeting that could’ve been an email. It’s time to pause, breathe, and reclaim our lives. Because let’s face it—your organization will replace you faster than you can say, “Happy Diwali to your loved ones!!” Here’s how to embrace the art of chilling like a pro: Calendar Block the Holidays: Open up that Google Calendar or Outlook and mark yourself “Out of Office.” And for extra spice, make sure to add a little “Do Not Disturb” sign as well. No, seriously, the company can survive a week without you. If they can’t, they’re in deeper trouble than your inbox. Rediscover the Sofa: It’s the underrated champion of relaxation. Lie down, stare at the ceiling, binge that show everyone’s been talking about, or have a full-on couch potato day. Warning: the sofa has magical powers that’ll make you forget what work even is. Phone Detox (No, Really!): Leave the work phone on “airplane mode” or your phone too! like you actually went somewhere. Instagram and LinkedIn will survive without your daily check-ins. If the world ends, trust me, someone will send up a flare. (I shall be back on 4th Nov with a new article) Family Shenanigans: Dust off the board games, take out old photos, or let the kids beat you in video games. These are memories you actually want to have (unlike the one where your boss “accidentally” scheduled a call at 5 p.m. on Diwali). Take Naps. Many. Reclaim your energy with glorious, guilt-free naps. It’s about resetting the soul, people. You’re basically hibernating to come back stronger next week. So, let’s make a pact to treat this Diwali holiday like it’s meant to be: relaxed, memorable, and WiFi-optional. Remember, work will still be there, but these moments with loved ones? They’re here now—grab ‘em! #HolidayModeOn #FamilyFirst #UnplugAndRecharge

Are you getting excited or exasperated by the countdown to the peak of the end-of-year festivities? Despite the look on my face in the photo, I'm a bit of a Santa's Elf - I love celebrating Christmas and helping others to do the same! As we race towards the final days of the “silly season”, it feels like a great time to share some messages about how to maintain our Optimism in the last couple of weeks before the arrival of the big fella in the Red Suit (or whatever your significant event is at this time)!  Balancing workload and the demands of family, friends and fitness are challenging at the best of times…at this time of year, it’s even more important. How can we stay sane in the silliness and have even more fun? Here are a few simple ideas, with some festive adjustments, from my “Three Activators” that will help us survive the next few weeks and thrive in the year ahead.   Attitude Awareness: How contagious is your festive attitude and is yours worth catching? For example…  - Have you ever felt really happy and forgot to tell your face? Pasting even a fake smile on will release endorphins for a ‘legal’ high. - If you build a mental picture of a festive season full of drama, your stress will increase. Building a picture of a happy, joy-filled experience will decrease stress. - If you don’t feel it, fake it! Pretend you’re excited about all the festivities and before you know it, you will be. Activity Management: Are you busy being busy or making the most of the things that matter? For example…  - Are your festive traditions driving you crazy? Look for alternatives and options e.g: how else could I celebrate? What do they do in other countries/cultures? - Declutter your calendar. Choose to spend time with people who relax and uplift you, not the Grinches of the world. Those long-lost friends & relatives, who you haven’t seen all year but who insist on “catching-up before Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year”, might just have to wait! Achievement Focus: How do you want to FEEL on the big day? What do you need to do or NOT DO to get there? For example…  - Allocate R&R time along with all the mad celebrations. - Focus on the end result – visualise the presents wrapped; the turkey cooked; the table filled with loved ones; the smiles; the joy; the laughter. - Reach out to others less fortunate – it really puts things into perspective…    And finally, let’s all just keep breathing through the worst bits…you really will make it to the other side – after all, it’s only Christmas! So, what do you do to “stay sane in the silly season”? What are your favourite parts of the festivities? #optimism #sillyseason #festivefun

Why You Should Avoid Giving Holidays to Employees, Even During Festivals Like Diwali 🎉🚫 When employees ask for time off to see their families during festivals, it might sound reasonable, but let’s examine why denying them this "luxury" is actually a gift to them—and to your bottom line. 1. Family Time is Overrated 👨👩👧👦🚫 After all, they spend all year with their family outside of office hours—why disrupt that delicate balance by actually allowing them a full day off to connect? By keeping them at work, you’re helping them avoid awkward family questions like, “When will you get a promotion?” and “Did you find a new job yet?” You’re practically saving them from unnecessary stress! 2. Diwali Isn’t a “Break” from Deadlines ⏳✨ Just because it's Diwali doesn’t mean the deadlines have magically disappeared! Work will still be there after the festival, so why not just stay ahead? Imagine how productive they’ll feel realizing they didn’t let a single deadline slide because of some "holiday." 3. Teaching the Value of Sacrifice 💪🎉 Nothing builds character like giving up family gatherings for work. By keeping them in the office, you're giving them the rare opportunity to truly understand the importance of sacrifice. Because who needs Diwali memories when they can have PowerPoint presentations and team meetings instead? 4. Reducing Employee Complaints About “Work-Life Balance” ⚖️😌 Work-life balance is only a problem if people believe life outside of work is better. Keeping them in the office during Diwali helps solidify that work is life, eliminating any confusing distractions about “balance.” Plus, if they’re in the office, they don’t have to waste energy wondering if they’d rather be somewhere else. 5. Preparing Them for Corporate Survival 🌐👔 If they can make it through a festive season without seeing family, they can make it through anything. Missing Diwali is just another way to train them for future “no days off” situations. In the end, you’re helping them survive the real corporate world where holidays are optional and loyalty is mandatory. 6. Lights, Firecrackers, and Sweets Are Distracting 🎇🍬 Imagine the chaos that would ensue if employees were exposed to colorful lights, sweets, and firecrackers! It could take them days to refocus. By staying in the office, you ensure their minds remain undistracted by joy and festivity, all channeled into pure productivity. 7. Even the Gods Respected Deadlines 📜🕉️ In Hindu mythology, Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya on Diwali after completing a 14-year exile and fulfilling his duty to rescue Sita. The message? Even gods prioritized their mission over personal comfort. Diwali isn’t just a holiday; it’s a reminder to stay focused and meet our obligations, even if it means sacrificing time with family. If the divine can embrace deadlines, surely our team can honor them too! #MythologyMeetsProductivity #DutyOverFestivity #DivineDeadlines #CommitmentMatters #SacrificeIsStrength #TrueDedication