The blinking lights of diyas, the sweet taste of your favourite mithais, and the joyous company of your loved ones —Diwali brings all of this together to create a truly memorable experience.
Within Indian workplaces, Diwali is the time for recognising hard work and team bonds, through playful games and promising gifts. Companies across India use Diwali as an occasion to show their employees how much they are valued and appreciated.
That said, the connection between Diwali and employee recognition goes beyond bonuses, gifts, and games.
Diwali in Context: Why Gifts Matter
Diwali is a day of worship for Goddess Lakshmi and God Ganesha, who represent wealth and prosperity, respectively, making the occasion a significant one for all individuals involved in any form of business.
Exchanging gifts on Diwali marks one’s desire to share their joy, success, and prosperity with others. The practice is also prevalent in workplaces where employers give employees bonuses and gifts to spread happiness, show that their work is recognised, and wish their employees success in life.
The Tradition of Giving and Its Modern Workplace Relevance
No matter the size of a business or the nature of the employer-employee relationship, gift-giving is almost a given in many parts of India. Even a simple gift highlights that the employer does indeed care about their employees and holds deep respect for their work.
In modern workplaces, even as roles and businesses have evolved, the expectations around Diwali remain the same. Many companies choose Diwali to share annual bonuses and/or salary hikes, adding to the joyous atmosphere of the festival and showcasing their appreciation for employees.
Many workplaces across India go all out to celebrate Diwali, encouraging employees to spend a day of joy with their team in the same spirit as the day itself. Such celebrations highlight how employers not only appreciate individual contributions but also the bonds that have formed in the office, and wish to give employees a chance to celebrate the same.
Diwali Rewards in the Workplace: Common Practices
To showcase their appreciation for employees in the most festive way possible, companies across India often partake in the following:
- Festive Hampers & Gifts: Perhaps a box of sweets, a gourmet basket, an assortment of dry fruits, or a personalised present—companies usually provide hampers and gifts to their employees for Diwali.
- Monetary Bonuses & Vouchers: Many companies prefer giving their employees monetary bonuses and/or redeemable gift vouchers. These are given as tangible recognition of employees’ contributions.
- Personal Recognition: Through personalised handwritten notes, shout-outs in meetings, or small gestures of thanks, employers and seniors make sure to showcase their individual appreciation to each employee.
- Team Celebrations: Diwali is best celebrated with others, and companies make sure to provide a chance for this through lunches, parties, or cultural events that foster bonding.
Remember, when it comes to giving gifts, timing and personalisation are key. A recognition that aligns with the festive spirit has a deeper emotional impact on employees and multiplies the joy that is in the air.
Cultural Significance Meets Workplace Behaviour
Cultural events like Diwali can boost employee morale and provide myriad benefits to companies, from a purely practical perspective as well. This is why employers are becoming more and more involved in cultural celebrations, combining them with the office atmosphere to create a thriving workforce
Strengthening Employee Engagement
Diwali-themed rewards can significantly boost employee engagement. Not only do they create a better image of the company’s employer brand, but they also foster team bonds, hence boosting employee morale and productivity.
Reinforcing Company Values
Employee rewards and recognition can also be a great chance to highlight the values that a company stand for. Diwali itself is a celebration of prosperity, gratitude, and recognition, values that every company can take pride in standing behind.
Best Practices for Meaningful Recognition
To showcase true employee recognition, employers and HR professionals can take certain steps that will not only highlight the care put into the awards but also send a positive and important message.
- Go Beyond Monetary Rewards: Thoughtful gestures often leave a lasting impression more than monetary rewards. Even small gifts can leave a huge impact when done correctly.
- Personalise Gifts: Tailor gifts to employees’ preferences while staying culturally sensitive. Small diyas with the initials of employees can be a small but significant gesture in making the celebrations that much more meaningful.
- Include Team Celebrations: Shared experiences enhance camaraderie and morale amongst team members. They also align with the spirit of Diwali and create unforgettable memories.
- Align With Corporate Values: In the spirit of spreading joy, companies can integrate recognition with CSR initiatives or wellness programs to amplify impact. Why limit happiness to one’s workplace when the world itself can be your oyster?
Challenges to Navigate
Joyous as it may be, Diwali employee recognition does require a significant amount of effort and poses multiple challenges. Being aware of these potential issues and navigating them effectively can elevate the experience for all involved.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Not all employees may celebrate Diwali, but that does not mean they should be excluded. All events should take into account the varied beliefs of people in the workplace and provide flexibility as required.
- Avoid Over-Commercialisation: Rewards should feel genuine, not just transactional. While it is important to celebrate the company and all that it stands for, it should not be the focus of a Diwali celebration and reward.
- Equitable Recognition: Ensure fairness across teams and hierarchies to maintain trust. Every employee should feel equally valued during a celebration like Diwali to create a positive atmosphere and cherished bonds.
In the End…
Diwali is a festival that brings together cultural and corporate values. The festival’s emphasis on wealth and prosperity is something every company can get behind, especially when it comes to employee recognition.
Through Diwali celebrations, companies not only honour traditions but also boost employee recognition and morale. After all, a successful and happy employee signifies a prosperous workplace and employer.
