In these challenging times we live in, most people’s routines and rituals have been altered.
We work differently, we shop differently, we socialize differently, we exercise differently, and well, you get the point.
How we celebrate the holidays is no exception here, as we’re being tasked to adapt once again. This, of course, impacts our home and family life, but it affects our work life too.
At Clarus, we’re adjusting our traditions while attempting to be festive in celebrating the happiest time of year with our team.
Find More Reasons to Connect
We’re a tight-knit group at Clarus.
Whether it’s a workstation decorating contest; office gift swap; ugly, festive sweaters; or our annual Mohegan Sun Casino Holiday Party, we find lots of ways to celebrate every holiday season.
Check out some of our holiday festivities from the past.
Instead, this year we’re doing a few things differently, thanks to COVID-19.
Our creative team is putting together a company video, recognizing all the good that has happened to employees this year. The video highlights contributions from everyone at Clarus and features memories, milestones, and other accomplishments from the year.
We’re also exchanging festive photos of ourselves, our pets, our families, and our holiday decorations in our company group chat.
Who doesn’t love a dog in a Santa hat, right?
Another end-of-the-year tradition for us is to acknowledge greatness by handing out a few awards.
Usually, these awards are presented by our CEO, Tom, at our Mohegan Sun Holiday Party. This year, we’re announcing the awards and showing the annual company video at a Town Hall Zoom meeting set for Dec. 17.
The awards are for Rookie of the Year, MVP, and Unsung Hero.
Give Back to the Community
Giving back to our community is a pillar of our Clarus Culture through our Clarus Cares initiative.
This year, we’re participating in a Virtual Salvation Army Angel Tree in an effort to give back to those less fortunate. In the past, we have collected unwrapped toys for children and families in need in the Greater Hartford region.
This year, we’re able to order from Walmart and have the toys delivered directly to the Salvation Army, to be mindful of social distancing.
Not only are we making a difference and putting a smile on a child’s face, but this gets us in the spirit of giving, which is integral for this time of year.
One of our remote social groups, Motivation Station, is working with Clarus for another charitable cause. Every group member tracks and logs their daily fitness activities which are converted to “miles.”
During most months, members cheer and support each other on reaching their individual goals. But in November, Clarus made a charitable donation for each mile achieved by the group … so the more members work out, the more money that gets donated.
The group voted on its favorite charities that include social justice, feeding the hungry, pediatric cancer, and animal welfare.
It’s important to give back to the community, especially this year.
Recharge the Batteries
We’re at the tail end of what’s been one heck of a year, and it’s important to acknowledge all that we have endured and provide our employees with an opportunity to refresh, renew, and rejuvenate.
A tradition that is becoming commonly adopted is giving the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day off.
Nothing says, ‘we appreciate you and want you to give it your all next year’ like a nice paid week off.
This year, though, Clarus took that a step further.
We’re thrilled and thankful to say we will be closed during the weeks of Dec. 21 and Dec. 28.
While it is not realistic for every organization to be closed for these two weeks, any extra paid time off you can provide will be greatly appreciated as we prepare for 2021.
Since it was difficult to take any big vacations in 2020, this will still give people a chance to unwind and focus on themselves and their families after what’s been a tough year for many.
We’re overcoming yet another challenge in changing how we celebrate the winter holidays. Although a trying task for many, it can be done.
Have a safe and happy holiday everyone!
If Clarus sounds like an interesting place to be, we’re hiring! Check out our culture video below and head over to our career opportunities page.
Laura Esposito
Laura Esposito is our Talent Acquisition Manager. She has years of HR experience focusing on recruitment, employer branding, talent pipeline strategy, campus relations, and D&I. When Laura isn’t sifting through resumes, she enjoys singing with her choral ensemble, being a beach bum, eating, and spending time with family and friends.