Celebrating St Andrew’s Day | Consensus HR in Herts & Beds

Fostering Inclusion and Embracing Diversity in the Workplace:

By Matthew Chilcott, Owner of Consensus HR

On November 30, Scotland celebrates St Andrew’s Day, a national holiday that marks the country’s patron saint. St Andrew’s Day is a time of pride for Scots, filled with festivities, traditional music, food, and dance. For businesses, this day offers an excellent opportunity to recognize Scottish culture, celebrate diversity, and promote inclusivity within the workplace. Recognising and celebrating cultural events like St Andrew’s Day can help create a more inclusive work environment and boost team morale.

Why Celebrating Cultural Days Matters in the Workplace:

As workplaces become more diverse, it’s important for employers to foster a sense of belonging for all team members. Recognising cultural events, like St Andrew’s Day, demonstrates respect and appreciation for the varied backgrounds and traditions of employees. Such recognition helps employees feel valued, builds camaraderie, and contributes to a positive and inclusive workplace culture. For Scottish employees, celebrating St Andrew’s Day can create a sense of pride and strengthen ties with their heritage.

How Managers and Business Owners Can Embrace St Andrew’s Day in the Workplace:

1. Acknowledge and Educate the Team:

• Share Information on St Andrew’s Day: Take time to share the history and significance of St Andrew’s Day with the team. You can send out a company-wide email or display a short presentation about the day’s origins and how it’s celebrated in Scotland.
• Encourage Curiosity and Dialogue: Use the occasion to spark conversations about cultural diversity and the significance of national holidays for different employees.

2. Celebrate Scottish Culture in the Office:

• Host a Scottish-Themed Office Lunch: Bring in Scottish treats like shortbread, haggis, or Scottish oatcakes for everyone to try, or arrange a potluck with Scottish-inspired dishes. This can create an enjoyable, team-building experience.
• Decorate the Workspace: Adding a few simple decorations, such as Scottish flags or tartan patterns, can create a festive atmosphere in the workplace, showing respect and appreciation for Scottish traditions.

3. Promote Inclusivity through Recognition of Diverse Holidays:

• Celebrate Other Cultural Days: Use St Andrew’s Day as a reminder to celebrate other cultural events relevant to your diverse team. Recognising multiple cultural holidays throughout the year fosters inclusivity and allows employees to share their heritage with colleagues.
• Create a Multicultural Calendar: Encourage diversity by incorporating cultural events from various backgrounds in your annual calendar. This is a great way to show all team members that their backgrounds and traditions are valued.

4. Encourage Remote Celebrations for Remote or Hybrid Teams:

• Share a Virtual Toast or Scottish Trivia Quiz: For remote or hybrid teams, a virtual celebration can still bring people together. Host a virtual coffee break or quiz on Scottish culture to involve everyone, even those working from home.
• Offer Flexible Scheduling for Observing the Day: If you have Scottish employees, consider allowing flexible time to observe St Andrew’s Day, enabling them to participate in celebrations that might be happening locally or with family.

5. Promote Diversity and Inclusion Policies Year-Round:

• Support an Inclusive Workplace Culture: Beyond St Andrew’s Day, employers should actively support diversity and inclusion initiatives to ensure all team members feel respected and valued.
• Encourage Employee-Led Diversity Events: Allow employees to lead initiatives celebrating their cultures. This can include creating a diversity committee or planning events for major cultural celebrations, showing that the company values and prioritises diversity.

Building a Stronger, More Inclusive Workplace:

Celebrating cultural events like St Andrew’s Day can bring your team closer together and foster a supportive environment where all employees feel appreciated for who they are. By recognising and honouring diverse cultural backgrounds, managers and business owners show commitment to an inclusive workplace that values each team member’s identity and traditions.