04 Dec How do Organizational Celebrations make an Impact?
Celebrations are part of an organization’s life.
They have a profound impact on emotional well-being, relationships, organizational culture, and personal growth. They serve as pivotal moments that bring joy, create memories, and contribute to a richer, more connected life.
In my previous roles as HR, I could notice how big was the impact of celebrations for my colleagues regardless of hierarchy.
It means an opportunity for recognizing involvement, achievements, being successful and also showing respect to people while enjoying, carrying and having fun!
As Xmas is approaching and year end is getting closer, such celebrations are now on people’s focus.
Fiscal year may vary from a company to another. However, calendar year is the same, and from January till December we all can measure 12 months of working.
We all are aware that hybrid work is here to stay.
Xmas parties, secret Santa or simple people gatherings to a lunch or dinner in this period of time, are great practices to bring people together and spend some time together.
Looking from a more specific impact, several benefits for people and companies can be simultaneously acknowledged:
- Team Building and Camaraderie: Christmas parties provide an opportunity for colleagues to interact in a relaxed setting, fostering better relationships among team members. Shared experiences during the celebration can enhance camaraderie and create stronger bonds.
- Boosting Morale and Engagement: The festive atmosphere of a Christmas party can significantly boost morale and engagement among employees. It offers a break from routine work, allowing everyone to unwind, enjoy themselves, and feel appreciated by the organization.
- Recognition and Appreciation: A well-planned Christmas party often includes elements of recognition and appreciation for employees’ hard work throughout the year. Acknowledging their contributions during the celebration can reinforce a sense of value and appreciation within the team.
- Cultural Inclusivity: While Christmas is a Christian holiday, many organizations celebrate it as a cultural event rather than a religious one. By acknowledging various cultural celebrations during this time, companies can create an inclusive environment that respects diverse traditions and backgrounds.
- Stress Relief and Well-being: During the often-hectic year-end period, a Christmas party can act as a stress-relief mechanism. It allows employees to relax, socialize, and enjoy themselves, promoting mental well-being and reducing stress associated with work.
- Fostering a Positive Company Culture: Hosting a Christmas party demonstrates that the organization values its employees beyond work-related tasks. It contributes to a positive company culture by emphasizing the importance of work-life balance, fun, and celebration within the workplace.
- Increased Employee Satisfaction and Retention: Providing opportunities for employees to connect socially and enjoy themselves during a Christmas celebration can lead to higher job satisfaction. Happy employees are more likely to feel connected to the company culture, leading to increased retention rates.
Yes, it is important to plan it and to allocate a budget. And I see this as a collective responsibility of the leadership team. HR has an important role to influence and come with arguments and facts to support it, to look for synergies,
I learned over the years that in HR we need to be creative and adapt to diverse contexts and locations. From a cafe or a small pub, a headquarter or a restaurant/ hall, everything can be possible when the willingness and good intention are there.
I enjoyed a lot to bring small decorations to each desk in my team or share season sweets, before my colleagues arrived in the morning.
Their smiles and joy were priceless!
Then Secret Santa is another joyful moment which is bringing a dash of holiday magic.
If you your business is spread all over the country having more working points, then local events can be arranged. A collection of celebrating photos may decorate your working space, contributing to the creation of the seasonal atmosphere.
One of my great memories related to these season events is related to employees’ children party which I was organizing. Santa offering gifts, children reciting poems and parents accompanying them as the age diversity was covering a wide range, are unforgettable!
Meanwhile, asking for help cand open unimaginable opportunities and stories which will remain as authentic memories.
Inviting your stakeholders to be part of your journey is a key to festive collaboration and shared success. It builds on your stakeholders’ engagement.
So, Enjoy, Celebrate, Smile and Have Fun!