The Value of Celebrating Cultural Events in a Multicultural Workplace
Singapore is a unique country known for its diversity, with people from various ethnicities, religions, and cultural backgrounds living harmoniously together. The main ethnic groups in Singapore are Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Eurasian, each contributing to the vibrant multicultural fabric of the country.
As a society with a melting pot of cultures that embraces a rich tapestry of traditions, languages, and customs, our workplace is a natural extension of the multicultural ecosystem. This offers employees a unique and enriching environment to practice values such as respect, patience, and tolerance.
Let’s take a look at all the benefits of celebrating cultural events at work.
Diversity and Inclusion in a Multicultural Workplace
Many organisations today promote diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) as part of their workplace culture by hiring staff from various ethnicity. To promote harmony and acceptance in a multicultural workplace, organisations celebrate cultural events such as Chinese New Year, Vesak Day, Hari Raya Puasa, Holi, Diwali and Christmas.
This offers employees the opportunity to explore and appreciate different cultural festivals, cuisines, and practices, as well as racial harmony as the interactions at these events allow employees to develop mutual respect, tolerance and understanding of different ethnic and cultural groups.
Cultural Celebrations Increases Harmony at Workplace
Employees who work in a multicultural workforce that fosters a sense of inclusivity at work are inclined to have mutual respect among colleagues, and motivated to contribute to building a dynamic and vibrant social fabric at work.
The cultural celebrations encourage acceptance of cultural diversity at work. During the cultural gatherings, celebrations, or activities, employees are exposed to different customs, traditions, art, music, and cuisine of various ethnicities, religions and belief systems.
These cultural celebrations offer opportunities for workers of different backgrounds to come together, share joy, and gain insights into one another's cultural practices. It helps foster open-mindedness, broaden perspectives, challenge stereotypes, and build meaningful relationships with people from various backgrounds.
Cultural Events Encourages Employee Collaboration & Sense of Belonging
Cultural events at workplaces allow colleagues to get to know each other better in informal settings, build stronger relationships and communicate more comfortably with each other. This result in employees feeling a sense of belonging and togetherness, despite their cultural differences.
Engaged employees are willing to collaborate, share ideas, and support one another. This reduces friction in project work, increases productivity, boost morale, and ultimately improve team performance and outcomes.
Multicultural Practices Increase Employee Retention at the Workplace
A survey finding by Hays recruitment agency of some 2,000 working professionals found that 86% of the Singapore respondents agree that a workplace culture that encourages diversity of opinion benefits talent retention.
When staff feel supported, valued, and appreciated at work, employee retention rates are improved as their self-esteem, confidence and job satisfaction is boosted. Through these events, managers can express appreciation for employee service and motivate them to pursue new goals, fostering a sense of value and recognition among all employees.
At Babilou Family Singapore HQ and across our preschool centres, our school teachers and staff celebrate different cultural celebrations throughout the year. This contributes to the diverse and harmonious company culture in our workplace.
Opportunities to Discover Potential Leaders & Build Employer Branding
Cultural events can be a means to identify potential leaders within the organisation. You can observe and spot leaders by how they interact with their team members, communicate and make decisions in the organisation of the cultural events. This is a good way for the company to identify successors for lead positions.
Such workplaces are very appealing and ideal to attract top talent, enhance the employer brand, and improve the organisation's standing in the market.
Recognising the Importance of Cultural Celebrations in a Multicultural Work Environment
In summary, promoting cultural inclusivity at work is vital for employee engagement, retention and organisational success. The cultural celebrations cultivate a positive work culture, enhances teamwork, and contributes to a happier and more productive workforce.
Babilou Family Singapore values and promotes inclusive work culture. To learn more about our work culture, check out the updates on our website and social media pages.
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