It’s my birthday today—but that’s not really what this post is about.
This moment just gave me the perfect excuse to talk about something that often goes unnoticed in the workplace: celebration.
We’re pretty good at celebrating in our personal lives. In fact, the U.S. birthday party industry was worth around $10 billion in 2020. That’s right—parents spend hundreds of dollars for their kids’ parties, and we never think twice about throwing a celebration when someone we love achieves something big.
But when it comes to work?
Celebrations are often forgotten, underused, or treated as an afterthought.
And that’s a missed opportunity.
In many organizations, the default mode is to move quickly from one goal to the next. We hit a milestone, then it’s immediately on to the next deliverable. And while productivity matters, we’re missing a chance to build connection, reinforce our values, and fuel motivation.
Celebrations don’t have to be over-the-top or expensive. But they should be intentional and meaningful. So, let me offer a few questions to help you think differently about how—and what—you celebrate at work.
What Does Your Culture Value?
Your culture is constantly telling you what matters. If your culture emphasizes individual achievement, consider celebrating individual wins. If collaboration and teamwork are central, recognize project milestones and team progress.
Celebrations should reflect what your organization holds dear.
What Are Your Biggest Organizational Objectives?
What is your organization trying to accomplish?
Celebrating progress toward major goals sends a powerful message. It reinforces alignment and shows that you’re serious about where you’re headed—not just what you’ve already done.
What Do Your People Want to Celebrate?
Culture is one thing. But don’t forget the individuals inside that culture.
Have you ever asked your team what they want to celebrate? Or how they’d like to celebrate? The answers might surprise you—and they’ll definitely help you make celebrations more personal and appreciated.
What Does Celebration Look Like in a Hybrid or Remote Environment?
It’s easy to default to pizza parties or cupcakes in the break room—but what happens when your team isn’t in the same place?
Remote and hybrid teams deserve recognition too. Think virtual shoutouts, team-wide Slack kudos, or sending a small gift card as a “thank you.” Celebration doesn’t require proximity—it requires intention.
Can Celebration Strengthen the Culture You Aspire To?
Don’t just reflect your current culture—use celebrations to build the culture you want.
If you aspire to be more collaborative, celebrate collaboration. If you want to be more innovative, highlight and cheer on new ideas. Use celebration as a tool for cultural growth.
What Would Make Celebration More Meaningful?
At the end of the day, this is the most important question.
Meaningful celebrations don’t have to be loud or elaborate—but they do need to matter to the people involved. And when celebrations are tied to values, goals, and people, they become powerful tools for leadership and culture.
A celebration doesn’t have to be a banner and balloons. Sometimes, a heartfelt thank you is enough.
So here’s my challenge: look for one meaningful way to celebrate progress this week—big or small. You might be surprised at the ripple effects it creates.
When you make celebrations more meaningful, they become more valuable.
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