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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

🎄 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘄 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝗹𝘆 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗲! Holidays at work? They’re about more than just parties and Secret Santa exchanges—they’re a chance to connect, learn, and create a sense of belonging. But how do we ensure everyone feels included when “Christmas” is on the calendar, but your team reflects a world of different traditions? Let’s make this holiday season one that celebrates all! 🎉✨ 🌟 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗲𝘁 𝗦𝗮𝘂𝗰𝗲? 𝗖𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆! Holidays are way more fun when we share and learn from each other! Have a colleague who celebrates Diwali, Hanukkah, or Eid? Or someone who doesn’t observe holidays at all? Ask questions, spark conversations! For example, in our team, when a German colleague greeted everyone with Diwali wishes, an Indian team member pointed out that not all in India celebrate it. This openness creates trust—it’s essential to feel safe to speak up and correct misunderstandings. 💬 🎭 𝗠𝗶𝘅 𝗜𝘁 𝗨𝗽 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗮 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝗵𝘂𝗽! Why stick to just one holiday theme? A potluck where every dish tells a story adds fun to the mix. Who doesn’t love a feast with a side of “this reminds me of home”? 🍲 🎁 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 ≠ 𝗢𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 Not everyone is up for carol singing or sharing personal traditions—and that’s 100% okay! As a great host (that’s you!), give people the freedom to join in as much—or as little—as they like. 🤗 🤝 𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀! Thoughtful planning makes all the difference. Pick celebration times that work for caregivers or even consider offering financial support for caregiving services! Also include non-alcoholic beverage options, and ensure the menu accommodates dietary needs and choices. These small, intentional choices show everyone they belong. 🌟 What’s your team’s favorite way to keep celebrations inclusive? Share your ideas below! 💬 #DiversityAndInclusion #HolidaySeason #CelebrateTogether #TeamCulture #GrowthMadeSimple

#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

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

🎉 Embracing Diversity: Honoring All Holidays 🎉 In our interconnected world, diversity isn't just a buzzword – it's a cornerstone of inclusivity and respect. As we navigate the tapestry of cultures and traditions that make up our global community, it's essential to recognize and honor the significance of all holidays. Whether it's Diwali, Hanukkah, Christmas, Eid al-Fitr, or any other celebration, each holiday holds deep cultural and religious significance for millions around the world. By acknowledging and respecting these observances, we not only foster a sense of belonging but also demonstrate our commitment to embracing diversity in all its forms. In my professional journey, I've had the privilege of working with colleagues and clients from diverse backgrounds, each bringing their unique perspectives and traditions to the table. From shared meals to cultural exchanges, honoring all holidays has been a cornerstone of our collaborative spirit. By recognizing and celebrating holidays, we not only strengthen bonds within our teams but also create an environment where everyone feels valued and appreciated. Whether it's through thoughtful gestures, flexible scheduling, or inclusive events, there are countless ways to show respect for diverse traditions in the workplace. Moreover, honoring all holidays isn't just a gesture of goodwill – it's also a reflection of our commitment to fostering a culture of inclusivity and belonging. In today's interconnected world, diversity isn't just a checkbox – it's a source of strength that fuels innovation, creativity, and collaboration. As we celebrate the rich tapestry of holidays that unite us as a global community, let's commit to honoring all traditions and embracing the diversity that makes us stronger together. Whether it's through cultural awareness initiatives, inclusive policies, or simply taking the time to learn about different holidays, let's ensure that everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. Wishing everyone a joyous holiday season filled with peace, happiness, and unity. Let's continue to celebrate diversity in all its forms, both in the workplace and beyond. #DiversityandInclusion #InclusiveCulture #GlobalCommunity #HolidayCelebrations #LinkedInPost 🌍🌟🎊#andrewhillman #andrewhillmandallas

"𝐃𝐢𝐰𝐚𝐥𝐢 𝐢𝐬𝐧'𝐭 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬; 𝐢𝐭'𝐬 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐮𝐩 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞—𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞!" As Diwali rolls around, there's a lot more to it than just lights and sweets. If you’re part of the corporate world, Diwali can be a time of celebration… and stress. It’s tricky to balance work while catching the festive spirit, but here are five things to keep in mind: 🍷 𝐄𝐦𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐰𝐚𝐥𝐢 𝐕𝐢𝐛𝐞 (𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐢𝐟 𝐢𝐭'𝐬 𝐂𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐞) Decorating your workspace, joining the Diwali dress-up day, or awkwardly trying to light a diya near your desk… it might feel forced, but these little things bring some color into our otherwise monotonous setup. Go with it—you might even have a little fun! ♨ 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐅𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 It’s not just about the “𝘏𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘺 𝘋𝘪𝘸𝘢𝘭𝘪!” email blast. A quick one-on-one greeting, a phone call, or a chat with a teammate you've lost touch with can do wonders for your professional rapport. It’s a great time to reconnect genuinely. 🚨 𝐀𝐯𝐨𝐢𝐝 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐨𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞 The work may pile up, deadlines may tighten, and festive mood aside, the hustle never stops! Prioritize and pace yourself—your well-being isn't a Diwali gift to the office. Balance the workload so that you don’t burn out before the holiday even arrives. ☄ 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐁𝐞𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤 Diwali is a great time to acknowledge the people who support you day in and day out. A heartfelt "𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐊 𝐘𝐎𝐔" goes a long way with coworkers, managers, and those in other departments you may rarely acknowledge. Let’s spread that kindness like it's fairy lights! 😍 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟 (𝐘𝐞𝐬, 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞 𝐈𝐭) The corporate Diwali goodies can be a hit or miss, so make sure you get yourself something to celebrate your own hard work this year. Maybe it’s a small gift or a treat after office hours—either way, celebrate you. Balancing work and festivities can be tough, but adding a bit of Diwali magic to your corporate life can keep the spirits high. 𝑯𝑨𝑷𝑷𝒀 𝑫𝑰𝑾𝑨𝑳𝑰 🎊 #DiwaliInCorporate #FestiveVibes #DiwaliTips #CorporateLife #CelebrateSmart LinkedIn Google

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.

90% of Successful Businesses Make Team Outings Mandatory! Having the right team and strong internal connections can make all the difference when it comes to successful business. And at Primathon, we’ve accepted this truth wholeheartedly. Since the inception of Primathon in 2019, we’ve welcomed a culture that not only values hard work but also understands the importance of rejuvenation and connection. Every year, as the festive season of Diwali approaches, we plan a special trip that has now become a most-awaited tradition within our team. This annual getaway is more than just a break; it’s our time to recharge, deepen our bonds, and celebrate our achievements together. From curating itineraries to organizing fun activities, spontaneous parties, heartfelt chit-chat sessions, and thoughtful gift exchanges, every detail is planned with care. These moments are what strengthen our bonds, helping us return to work not just refreshed, but inspired. As we return from another amazing Diwali trip in 2024, I am filled with pride and gratitude for the culture we’ve collectively built at Primathon—a culture that prioritizes well-being, collaboration, and growth. With this annual getaway, we have experienced  - 70% improvement in communication among our team members, leading to more efficient project completion. - 30% boost in productivity.  - 60% improvement in interpersonal relationships  - And a 50% improvement in overall team performance metrics. To my fellow entrepreneurs, invest in experiences that bring your teams together. You’ll be amazed at how a little time away can lead to better results and deeper connections. Let’s create spaces where creativity flourishes, and teams thrive! On that note, wishing everyone a joyful and prosperous festive season!