5 Diwali gifts to ignite employee motivation and productivity
While work cultures have evolved, the importance of human connection remains paramount. Festive occasions like Diwali offer a unique opportunity to strengthen employer-employee relationships and foster a sense of camaraderie.
As one of India's most celebrated festivals, Diwali provides a special occasion to renew bonds and create lasting memories.
Diwali, a vibrant festival celebrated across India and by global Indian communities, will be marked by the lighting of candles, lamps, and colourful rangolis in homes and offices. While material gifts are customary, employees may place greater importance on emotional well-being, care, and a sense of belonging during this time.
It is also a time to resolve to make the office environment happy. Business and HR leaders feel the need to focus on ways to create a vibrant and inclusive work culture. In the business world, it is crucial to make your employees feel valued and cared for. In this special video, People Matters shares ideas to create an inclusive work culture.
Gifting empathy and flexible work culture
Empathy is not at all a new concept. There has been an emphasis on the term while describing good leadership traits. The subject has become a top management priority now. Empathy at the workplace is a crucial component of emotional intelligence and leadership skills which improves human touch leading to more trust.
Creating a flexible work culture can be a perfect gift for business and HR leaders to their employees this Diwali. It’s a known fact that flexibility is no longer limited to just work-from-home format. The new and existing employees prefer flexible locations and hours. Allowing employees to work at their convenient time can do a world of good as it increases productivity. Gradually, the need for a ‘flexible work module’ is being felt by leaders and emphasis is being laid in recruitment advertisements. It is a well-known fact that good company culture is vital for business growth.
Prioritising two-way communication, a hearty talk builds trust
More than any material gift during Diwali, pledges to make the work environment happy for employees should matter most to them. To bridge the gap between staff and management, there should be two-way communication through an online meeting or telephone conversation. One-on-one dialogue opens the channel of communication and a hearty talk can often shed differences. An email interaction might not be fruitful to develop an engagement between employees and management.
Adding the human touch to increase the happiness quotient
Long-term success hinges on forming relationships with employees. Creating a stress-free and happy workplace spurs productivity. A recent survey conducted by ITC Fiama in collaboration with NielsenIQ released on World Mental Health Day revealed that 57% of millennials believe that mental health issues have a significant impact on their performance at work. According to them, work pressure, lack of work-life balance, and having a difficult boss are some major stress factors. Such findings indicate that poor mental health can have an ill impact on the workforce and it is necessary to take a proactive approach to mental wellbeing within their organisations.
Leading by example is a key – honesty and authenticity are a must
It is said that there is a difference between a manager and a leader. "Managers do things right. Leaders do the right things."
As a leader, part of your job is to encourage staff around you to push themselves to succeed. In turn, the company leaps to greatness.
HR and business leaders need to lead by example, though it is not an easy job. Leaders should constantly question themselves if their actions help their team members to prepare for their next professional help. Leaders also need to focus on improving their behaviour toward their colleagues and be an influencers and inspire them to achieve their professional goals. Additionally, leaders should be active listeners, honest, trustworthy, and have integrity.
Making employees feel cared for through recognition and feedback
To maintain employee motivation and engagement, regular feedback and recognition are essential. Diwali offers a unique opportunity to foster a sense of care and appreciation within your team. This break from the hectic corporate environment can be a catalyst for increased productivity and employee satisfaction.
Consider how you can go above and beyond to make your team feel valued and appreciated this Diwali. By investing in your team's well-being, you can inspire them to achieve greater heights.