Culture
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Embrace being perceived as different at work and let others form their own opinions about you.
People may eventually realize you know what you are talking about and that your approach is working for you.
one person who lived it
Set a fixed annual contribution fund for workplace events to avoid repeated requests for money.
It prevents colleagues from being asked for contributions throughout the year.
one person who lived it
If you are a manager or supervisor, take vacation days regularly.
It signals to workers that you are human and provides them relief from pressure.
one person who lived it
Schedule work outings just before payday.
This prevents employees living paycheck to paycheck from spending money they cannot afford before receiving wages.
one person who lived it
Use a voluntary potluck system where employees opt in by putting their name in a hat to avoid using agency funds or forcing participation.
Agency funds cannot be used for this purpose.
one person who lived it
Coordinate a carpool to arrive at morning meetings simultaneously.
It ensures the group starts together when leadership begins as soon as a enough number are present.
one person who lived it
Celebrate employee birthdays collectively once per month using assigned months to ensure inclusivity and reduce unwanted attention.
It ensures people who want to participate aren't missed and avoids unwanted attention for those who do not want it.
one person who lived it
Adapt your punctuality expectations to the specific cultural context of the group you are working with.
punctuality norms vary across international groups
one person who lived it
Celebrate work anniversaries instead of birthdays to provide inclusive, non-religious, and non-gendered recognition for all staff.
Work anniversaries are a milestone everyone at work shares, regardless of gender or religion.
one person who lived it