Independence Day Celebrations: A Catalyst for Employee Engagement

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Muskaan Kapoor

Aug 14, 2024 — 5 min read

Independence Day Celebrations, A Catalyst for Employee Engagement: Suvarna Nikam, Global HR Head, Visionet

This article has been contributed by Suvarna Nikam, Global HR Head, Visionet.

In India, the scenario of employee engagement is multifaceted. According to a 2024 survey, only 32% of Indian employees reported being engaged at work, indicating a significant need for initiatives that can uplift engagement levels. It’s an alarming statistic, as the same report indicated that disengaged employees are more likely to leave their current employer—something that could be a dampener for any business.

Moreover, it is observed that organizations with high levels of employee engagement in India experienced 25% lower turnover rates, which underscores the need for keeping a motivated workforce intact. Every HR and people leader recognizes that employee engagement is a complex equation. There is never a one-size-fits-all approach, there are groups who enjoy wellness, while others enjoy outdoor and fun activities, some get excited about individual talent competitions while most appreciate group adventures or festivities that they personally celebrate and hold dear.

Given this backdrop, organizations in India should increasingly explore innovative approaches to increase engagement and enhance workplace culture.

Remote and Hybrid Culture

The nature of work has changed all over the globe. The shift from a physical workspace to that of a remote culture is a significant reason for employees to get disengaged. Over 20% of the workforce, globally, is equipped with the right tools to work remotely or on a hybrid model. Even though that is quite an achievement in the technological and financial landscape for enterprises, the fact that it has proven to disassociate the team cannot be denied.

Moreover, isolation and loneliness are also prevalent as employees miss the social interactions of a traditional office environment. Extensive use of gadgets, particularly mobile phones, is another key element contributing to disengagement. Back when everyone worked in offices, employees would often engage in random conversations during tea breaks or lunch, promoting camaraderie and building stronger team bonds. These on-floor interactions and water cooler chats were a big source of learning from unusual sources, developing diverse perspectives, and talking through topics outside of work as they were crucial for maintaining a sense of togetherness within the workplace.

However, in the current remote or hybrid work setting, devices & virtual spaces have largely taken over this physical space. Workers now tend to spend these breaks scrolling through social media or engaging in digital activities, which would further cut them off from their colleagues, thereby letting them miss out on the chance to establish valuable human connections.

Taking these hurdles into consideration, those organizations that made employee well-being a top priority through ongoing recognition, feedback, and event celebrations witnessed improved employee engagement. These celebrations provide chances for the team members to connect and take part in shared experiences, which can rekindle the sense of belonging that is often missing in remote work settings.

Festive Strategies

To maximize employee engagement, incorporating celebrations like Independence Day, cultural performances, team-building games, and patriotic displays helps. Breaking the monotony of routine work, and creating a festive atmosphere that strengthens employees’ sense of belonging, is an imperative perk associated with these workplace celebrations. In addition to lifting workplace spirits, these initiatives also increase productivity, job satisfaction, and overall dedication.

Marking Independence Day at work can spark patriotism in employees. Just as 15^th August stands for freedom and togetherness, creating a continuing culture of engagement in companies can empower workers and lead to greater results. To effectively celebrate Independence Day and maximize employee engagement, organizations can adopt several methods.

Firstly, organizing cultural programs that reflect India’s diverse heritage, such as dance, music, and drama, can be an excellent way to celebrate Independence Day at the office. Cheering for employees to join in and display their skills in these acts creates a feeling of togetherness and honor. Along with it, patriotic decor, including tricolor ornaments like flags, balloons, and posters, can set the mood and spark a sense of national pride. Now that we do have hybrid work models’ the cherry on the cake would be to also involve willing family members to participate in these festivities and celebrate the theme in the employee's own home setting.

Secondly, hands-on events like workshops or talks by eminent personalities on topics related to India's history, freedom struggle, and contemporary achievements can be both informative and inspiring. There is much to learn from the resilience, rigor, and passion each of our freedom fighters exhibited & our employees can draw valuable inspiration from their stories.

Lastly, taking part in community service activities, like visiting orphanages or organizing clean-up drives, strengthens the idea of giving back to society and brings a more meaningful dimension to these celebrations.

Impact on Engagement

Independence Day celebrations have a profound influence on employee engagement. Past research in these areas, shows that organizations celebrating cultural and national events experience a 20% increase in employee engagement levels. These celebrations create a sense of pride and belonging, a shared experience of celebrating a national event strengthens employees' emotional bond with the organization, making them more committed and loyal.

Recognizing employees for their contributions to the organization during such occasions can uplift spirits and showcase their efforts as part of the bigger sentiment towards national growth.

To Sum Up

Independence Day celebrations at the offices are not just about commemorating a historical event; they serve as a powerful approach to enhance employee engagement. By executing fun and engaging ways of involving employees, HR can harness positive energy, and companies can show appreciation for their employees, which together create lasting memories.

In today's world, where employee engagement and satisfaction matter more than ever, organizations that invest in initiatives such as a well-planned Independence Day celebration are likely to see higher levels of employee satisfaction and retention.