Fostering Connection and Culture: The Power of Employee Engagement

One of my favorite assignments in my last position was to organize events for and with our employees. With Lunar New Year starting today, I think fondly of the event we organized a year ago at the office. When asked if they were interested in organizing a Lunar New Year celebration in the office, our Asian community welcomed the idea with immense enthusiasm.

With limited funds available, we had to be creative. Starting from the idea of a potluck to supply the lunch for the event, we brainstormed more ways to contribute to the event. The list grew to dizzying dimensions. From bringing favorite traditional dishes to share with the entire community of employees at the office, to raising funds for decorations and prizes, donating time to set up and decorate the event room, as well as sharing stories on family and community traditions, or teaching attendees about a Chinese dance while explaining the symbolism of the gestures showcased in the dance.

It felt like a family reunion, with food, stories and traditions being shared.

To a wider extent, such events are a great example of how employee engagement can significantly contribute to a positive and inclusive workplace culture. By celebrating Lunar New Year, not only was cultural diversity honored, but it also created an environment that encouraged collaboration, team spirit, creativity, and personal connection among employees. In a professional setting, these types of activities are vital for fostering a sense of belonging, which is directly linked to employee wellbeing.

When organizations actively engage employees in creating and participating in events, they invest in their staff's overall satisfaction and mental health. These events allow employees to share their experiences and express their identities, which boosts morale and promotes a sense of community. Additionally, events like this help improve communication, and create an atmosphere where employees feel supported and valued.

Even with limited resources, the creativity and enthusiasm from employees are great indicators of how engagement initiatives can still be impactful. Whether it's through sharing meals, teaching a new skill, or participating in something that holds personal meaning, these activities promote team cohesion which ultimately improves employee retention and productivity.

Employee engagement activities play a crucial role in enhancing wellbeing by giving employees an outlet to express themselves benefiting both individuals and the organization as a whole.