Celebrating the holidays to encourage sustainable industry development
– When employees have time to gather and share happy moments, both the collegial spirit and the working environment are strengthened, key account manager in Seagarden, Inger Karin Damm, says.
She’s one of many employees spearheading an effort to make this holiday season an opportunity for having fun at work.
– In December, we host company-wide lunches to bring employees together during work hours, promoting inclusivity and team bonding. We also host a “Seagarden Juniors” workshop for children, holiday wreath making for adults, and Lucia Day celebrations with traditional treats and songs.
– The office is festively decorated throughout December, with seasonal treats available in the canteen to create a warm atmosphere and support those who find the dark season challenging. We end the year with a traditional lunch and give employees a token of appreciation for their hard work, she continues.
When she’s not planning holiday activities together with her colleagues, she’s in contact with companies around the world that want to explore the possibilities of marine collagen. According to Damm, the two activities are closely linked.
–Creating a culture where everyone feels seen and valued, you also increase motivation and productivity; benefiting the end-customer, she says.
Doing the right thing
Damm is well aware of conditions around the world, and to many, the holiday season can be a challenging time.
– Not everyone gets to go to a job where they feel at home, she says.
– But change starts with you. And to do our part, we have a goal of creating a sustainable working environment where everyone thrives and develops, she says and recites key attributes of Seagarden’s business strategy:
Seagarden strives to conduct business in a responsible manner, based on respect for human and labor rights, protecting health, safety, and the environment, and generally applying sound business practices.
– Sometimes, that means making sure all your suppliers live up to these standards. And sometimes, it’s as simple as taking the time to celebrate with your colleagues, she says.