On December 16, 2024, TARSHI hosted an online event in the form of a ‘Tweet-chat’ titled #JoyAtWorkplace, bringing together leading organizations from the social development and women’s rights sectors to share their insights on fostering joy, care, and gratitude in workplace culture. The event aimed to highlight practices and policies that make workplaces Safe, Inclusive, and Self-Affirming (SISA) while encouraging reflection on collective and individual well-being. Among the participating organizations were Rising Flame, Agents of Ishq, Love Matters, CEQUIN, and Anahat, all contributing rich perspectives to the conversation.
A key discussion point centered on the small but meaningful rituals that bring teams together and foster joy. Srinidhi Raghavan, Co-Lead Programmes, Rising Flame, responded using the official Rising Flame Twitter account (@RisingFlameNow). Srinidhi shared how the primarily remote Rising Flame team creates connections through discussions about food, recipes, and pets, which feature prominently in virtual team catch-up sessions. Other organisations, like Agents of Ishq, highlighted communal chai breaks, team lunches, and fun introduction games for new members, while Love Matters described traditions like Secret Santa and ‘Happy birthday’ singalongs that encourage team members to celebrate each other.
Organizations reflected on their most significant learnings from the year to enhance their work culture. Rising Flame emphasised the need for disability rights organisations to consistently integrate feminist and inclusive principles, ensuring that their mission is reflected in daily practices. TARSHI shared their learning to approach work with a mindset of possibilities, embracing flexibility and imaginative strategies. Meanwhile, Agents of Ishq celebrated their team’s resilience and creativity during a year of first-time collaborations, while Love Matters emphasized the value of pausing to strategize and reflect on their shared mission.
Inclusivity was a prominent theme, with organisations sharing how they accommodate the diverse needs and identities of their teams. Rising Flame highlighted the importance of addressing and balancing conflicting access needs in a cross-disability team, emphasizing discussion, reflection, and teamwork. TARSHI outlined their Reasonable Accommodation policies and weekly self-care discussions that foster a supportive culture. Other organisations brought up inclusivity measures that accommodate the diverse linguistic backgrounds and religious beliefs of their employees—at Anahat, team members are encouraged to speak in their vernacular languages to promote open, accessible communication, while CEQUIN ensures prayer times and days of religious significance are accommodated.
Participating organizations showcased their dedication to creating Safe, Inclusive, and Self-Affirming (SISA) spaces through thoughtful policies and practices. Rising Flame shared its approach of regular check-ins and open discussions about mental well-being, fostering a culture of trust and support. At the same time, the challenges in balancing diverse access needs and the importance of collective accountability were emphasised by Srinidhi, exemplifying Rising Flame’s approach to workplace inclusivity.
TARSHI’s #JoyAtWorkplace Tweet-chat provided a valuable platform for organisations to reflect on and share strategies for creating truly inclusive workplaces where all team members feel valued.