Are you ready to leave some teams out this festive season? Didn’t think so! It’s time to bring every department into the spotlight and make this the most inclusive celebration ever. Because, trust us — no one wants to feel left out when the party starts!
As the festive season approaches, excitement builds up in both personal and professional spaces. But what truly makes a celebration memorable is ensuring that every individual and community feels included. In the corporate world, we often focus on the obvious teams — marketing, sales, or management — but what about those behind-the-scenes heroes like finance, HR, or content? It’s time we unite our efforts to celebrate all the communities that contribute to our success. Here’s how you can step out and make this festive season meaningful for every department.
1. Recognize the Unsung Heroes
While marketing and sales might take the spotlight, departments like finance and HR are the backbone of smooth operations. This festive season, go beyond traditional acknowledgments and personalize your celebrations for these teams. Send personalized thank-you notes, host a casual gathering just for them, or highlight their contributions during festive events.
Example:
At a recent holiday party, one company dedicated a portion of the event to highlighting achievements from each department. Finance, often overlooked, was celebrated for identifying cost-saving strategies that allowed the business to reinvest in team growth. This not only boosted morale but also showed the value of celebrating everyone equally.
2. Break Down Silos with Cross-Department Activities
Nothing fosters community like cross-department interaction. Break down silos by organizing festive activities that encourage collaboration across different teams. Whether it’s a holiday-themed game, a potluck, or charity drives, let everyone get involved — marketing brainstorming with HR, finance teaming up with content. These events strengthen relationships and help everyone feel part of the larger organizational community.
Example:
One firm held a “Holiday Cook-Off,” where teams from different departments were mixed together to prepare dishes. The activity not only built camaraderie but allowed employees to see the personal side of their colleagues across departments.
3. Inclusivity in Gifting
Many companies give gifts during the festive season, but these gestures can sometimes be impersonal or limited to specific teams. This year, ensure that your gifts reflect the diverse interests and contributions of each community. Consider personalized gifts, tailored experiences, or even charity donations in their name. Show each department that their role, no matter how behind-the-scenes, is integral to the company’s success.
Example:
A marketing agency allowed employees to choose from a selection of gift options, with categories reflecting their department’s personality — like creative kits for content, wellness subscriptions for HR, and financial planning tools for the finance team.
4. Host Inclusive Celebrations for All Communities
It’s easy to overlook certain groups when organizing events. A lunch or party during work hours might suit some teams but leave others — like customer service or remote workers — out of the loop. This festive season, make sure every community is considered. Plan hybrid events that include remote workers, offer flexible timings, or even host department-specific celebrations that cater to different teams’ schedules.
Example:
An IT company decided to hold two holiday parties — one virtual and one in-person — so that all employees, no matter their location, could participate. They ensured remote workers received care packages and could join in virtually for games, speeches, and awards.
5. Make It a Tradition: Celebrate Beyond the Festive Season
Inclusivity and recognition shouldn’t be limited to the festive season. Build a culture of celebration throughout the year by implementing regular appreciation days for different departments, employee appreciation weeks, or even small, ongoing gestures like monthly shout-outs to high-performing teams. That way, when the festive season rolls around, it’s simply an extension of the community you’ve built.
Example:
A multinational company started hosting “Quarterly Department Celebrations,” where one department was recognized every quarter for its contributions. When the holiday season arrived, everyone felt included because celebrations were already a regular part of their culture.
Don’t be the one who forgets to include everyone this festive season! Start new traditions, celebrate your entire organization, and create memories that last long after the holidays are over. It’s time to unite, celebrate, and make every community feel special. Because if you’re not making it meaningful for all, what are you even celebrating?
Final Thoughts
The festive season is a time to reflect on all the good that has been achieved throughout the year — and none of that would be possible without every single community within your organization. From marketing and sales to HR, finance, and content, each team plays a vital role. By uniting your celebrations and recognizing everyone, you make the season not only festive but meaningful for all.
This year, step up and #MakeItSpecial for everyone in your organization.