Filipinos, Colombians, Ukrainians. How to celebrate together at work?

Easter in the company is a feast of diversity – especially in multicultural bands. This year, Poland and Ukrainian Easter fall on the same day, which facilitates the organization of work in companies employing representatives of both nationalities. However, the growing presence of other groups, such as Filipinos or Colombians, sets new challenges for employers. Openness, respect and flexibility in taking into account various traditions, including holidays, become key. Only in this way can you effectively manage a diverse team and build an inclusive work environment.

Multicultural Easter in the company

Experts from Smart Solutions HR suggest how to manage a multicultural team during Easter.

– In this special period, our role as employers is, first of all, to ensure employees that their customs are noticed and respected, and secondly – to offer them free days when they are actually entitled. For Poles, Ukrainians or Colombians it is Easter Sunday and Monday, while the Filipino start celebrating on Friday – says Agnieszka Kolanowska, Strategic Partnership Manager at Smart Solutions HR.

According to the expert, employers should meet the expectations of their international employees, offering flexibility in granting holidays.

– It is worth asking employees who are important to them and when they would like to celebrate holidays. This approach testifies to respect for diversity and helps to avoid misunderstandings – he notes.

Easter: “This is a great opportunity to get to know the cultures”

According to the data of the Office for Foreigners, India citizens occupy fourth place among the most numerous groups of foreigners staying in Poland. In 2024, over 12,000 Hindus received a positive decision to stay. High positions in the ranking are also occupied by Uzbekistan citizens (6.5 thousand permits), Vietnam (5.3 thousand), Bangladesh (3,000) and Pakistan (1 thousand). These data confirm the growing national diversity on the Polish labor market and indicate the need to adapt the professional environment to the needs of multicultural teams.

– Citizens of countries that do not celebrate Easter have completely different needs that we cannot forget as employers. The proposing additional days, though not required by employees, is just one of the ideas. It is also worth thinking about how to invite them to our holidays and spending time together. The Easter period is a great opportunity to create a space in which everyone can share their traditions and experiences, not just Christmas. It is worth organizing events that allow mutual learning of cultures, such as joint meals or workshops, where everyone has a chance to present their habits. The key is to create an atmosphere of mutual respect and openness – only in such space, multiculturalism can become a real advantage, enriching a team and supporting cooperation – emphasizes Włodzimierz Kucharczuk, Project Manager at Smart Solutions HR.