Lighting the Lamp of Happiness at Virtusa: A Deepavali Reflection

It was the magical time of Deepavali! Reflecting on the recent festivities, I realized it's crucial to address something important. Recently, I was invited to conduct a virtual session at Virtusa for their staff around the time of Deepavali. 

The palpable enthusiasm of the participants was unmistakable. Their spirit and excitement for the festival created a perfect stage for an engaging and interactive session on how you can 'DRIVE' your way to happiness.

I want to thank the Virtusa Team and I wish them continued success.

We often talk about keeping our personal and professional lives separate, but hey, we're whole beings, right? We laugh, we stress, we celebrate – sometimes all in one day! And Deepavali, the festival that lights up our lives, is the perfect backdrop to talk about this.

We're not just employees; we're people with full, rich lives. And just like we can't separate the light from the lamps, we can't split who we are between 9 to 5 and after-hours. The joys, the challenges – it's all one package. So, let's embrace that. Let’s bring our whole selves to work because a whole-being approach to happiness at work is about balancing professional and personal happiness. Progressive companies are not only encouraging employees to take ownership of their joy but also participate in shaping a workplace that allows them to thrive. After all, happiness at work isn't just an organizational responsibility; it's a personal commitment.

The festival of lamps is the perfect time to introspect and reflect. The essence of this celebration extends to our professional lives, bringing light to the areas that often remain overshadowed by the daily grind.

Clean Up Your Mindset - The First Step to Workplace Happiness

Happiness at work is about feeling 'alive,' a state of being that resonates across cultures and has a remarkable spill-over effect. It's about the interplay of our professional achievements spilling over into personal joy and vice versa.

As we clean our homes and hearts, can we also declutter our professional mindset, sweep away the cobwebs of negativity, and decorate our thoughts with the marigolds of positive thinking? Decluttering inboxes and minds to keep focused on the tasks that bring satisfaction and growth, rather than dwelling on the setbacks. Tidying up workspaces, clearing out old files, or even sorting through thoughts and priorities – it's all about setting the stage for success and well-being.

Come Alive with Festive Collaboration

Any festival is a collective celebration. Similarly, happiness at work often stems from the people around us. Collaborate like you're creating a Rangoli - with every individual's contribution blending into a beautiful pattern. Engage in team activities, support, and celebrate each other's successes. Because that’s when your work becomes more fulfilling.

The flicker of the lamps is a reminder to bring warmth to our work environment. Personalize your workspace and keep it clutter-free with visual reminders of important goals and achievements. A comfortable and inviting workspace can significantly enhance your mood and productivity.

And we all know that Deepavali is incomplete without the variety of sweets, symbolizing the richness of trying new things. Seek out new skills and challenges like you would a box of assorted Mithai. Each new skill you learn adds flavor to your professional life, making it richer and more enjoyable.

The Gift of Giving

Gift-giving is a core aspect of Deepavali, symbolizing the sharing of prosperity. In the workplace, this translates to acknowledging the efforts of your colleagues. Small gestures of appreciation, whether through a compliment or a helpful hand, can brighten someone's day as much as a Deepavali gift.

Gratitude isn't just for the festive season, it's something to practice every single day. It's about recognizing each other's efforts, like expressing gratitude for our teammates (you guys rock!), celebrating the big wins and the small, and just being thankful for the opportunity to grow, together. That's the kind of gift that doesn't need wrapping.

Light Up Your Life

Let's make 'lighting up' a habit – whether it's through a smile, a kind word, or just nailing that presentation. By intertwining the elements of Deepavali with our work, we can all come alive and find happiness in our professional journeys.

Our habits shape our lives more than we realize. The little things we do during Deepavali – the cleaning, the decorating, the sharing – let's make them a part of our everyday work life. Let's create a routine that's about more than just tasks; it's about creating joy and value in what we do and for each other. Happiness at work is not a myth but an achievable reality, provided we do these little things that can make it happen - consistently.

The joy and vibrancy at Virtusa during Deepavali perfectly illustrated how we can bring our whole selves to work, embracing a whole-being approach to happiness.