Valentine's Day - Sharing the Love
Valentine's Day - Sharing the Love
There’s a pleasant, warm feeling here at Agility HQ this morning and it’s not just because Scott Winter has made the teas for once! Yes folks, it’s Valentine’s Day and we’re sending love and best wishes to colleagues, clients and partners alike.
Celebrated on February 14th, Saint Valentine’s Day is a significant cultural, religious, and commercial celebration of romance and love in many regions of the world, commonly marked with the exchange of gifts, cards, chocolates or meals out. In some countries, such as Argentina (where it’s Dia de los Enamorados!) it’s common for employees to take a day off work to celebrate the romance of Valentine’s Day, presumably at a local tango milonga. (Just to make sure that nobody feels left out, Argentina also celebrates the Dia de los Solteros, or Singles Day, on February 13th.)
However, celebrating the occasion is not part of the culture in other regions, notably the Middle East and South Asia. If your company has a global workforce, it’s worth considering how each of your teams is marking this particular day.
Of course, employers should take care that celebrations remain appropriate and inclusive. Anything too over the top could make for an uncomfortable environment. Many organisations seek to promote friendship rather than romantic relationships on Feb 14th.
Whilst creating formal policies on how holidays are recognised may seem overkill, it could pay for management to offer some guidelines on what is and isn’t acceptable in the workplace. Curbing flirtatious behaviour and excessive gift giving will promote a professional environment where employees feel comfortable and respected.
Companies that want to show their appreciation for their team can do so on Valentine’s Day without giving the day off. You could decorate the office, send some personal thank you cards or lay out a selection of themed sweet treats. Or maybe your way of sharing the love is just to make your colleagues a tea…cheers!
Sam Barnes
Sales Director