Inclusion in Action

For many teams, busy season has wrapped or are in the final stretch to the finish line. It’s a meaningful moment to pause, reflect, and recognize the effort, resilience, and dedication team member brought to work often while balancing a lot outside of work life as well. 

Inclusion shows up not just in policies, but in how we support and appreciate one another, especially after high‑intensity periods. Thoughtful, inclusive actions can help people feel seen, valued, and supported as they recharge. It can make all the difference for one or many in an organization. 

✅Here are a few ways workplaces can show appreciation and foster belonging post–busy season:

• Encourage real time off and model it from the top. Model healthy boundaries and reinforce that recovery is necessary. 
• Offer flexibility as people reset and re‑establish balance promoting lighter schedules. 
• Listen and learn from each other - take time to reflect on what worked, what didn't, and what support would help in the future. 
• Recognize contributions across all roles—not just the loudest ones or ones who hold a title or leadership role. Most of the time, it's a team effort. 
• Celebrate in inclusive ways and be mindful of different preferences, time zones, cultures, and life circumstances when planning recognition. We often think that we may be doing something nice to recognize an individual or group, but it's okay to check in to see if that's how they would like to be recognized - not everyone like surprises. 😊
• If you work in a hybrid or remote environment, remember your team members at home. Make sure to pre-plan and give notice for any in office events/acts of appreciation. If you have fully remote employees, make sure to do something special for them as well.