Managing a global workforce means paying attention to cultural details in as nuanced a manner as possible. 

When working with an offshore team in India, understanding holidays and cultural nuances is crucial for ensuring engagement, satisfaction, and productivity. Indian holidays are deeply tied to traditions, family, and celebrations.

For companies building offshore teams in India, getting holidays and benefits right is a non-negotiable. 

Let’s explore how to thoughtfully design office calendars and benefits packages while respecting cultural sensitivities.

Why Indian Holidays and Cultural Sensitivities Matter for Offshore Teams

Holidays in India are unlike those in many Western countries. They often include extended family celebrations, religious rituals, and region-specific observances. A thoughtful approach to holidays and cultural practices shows your offshore team that you value their heritage.

  • Boosts Morale: Employees who feel understood and respected are more motivated.
  • Enhances Retention: A benefits package tailored to their culture increases loyalty.
  • Improves Productivity: A well-designed calendar minimizes disruptions caused by unexpected absences during major festivals.

Key Indian Holidays to Include in Office Calendars

India’s diversity is reflected in its holidays. Here are the major ones your offshore team review should account for:

1. National Holidays

These are observed across India, and employees typically expect the day off:

  • Republic Day (January 26)
  • Independence Day (August 15)
  • Gandhi Jayanti (October 2)

2. Religious Festivals

Religious holidays vary based on regions and faiths. Major festivals include:

  • Diwali: The Hindu festival of lights, often requiring a multi-day break.
  • Eid-ul-Fitr: Celebrated by Muslims, marking the end of Ramadan.
  • Christmas: While India’s Christian population is smaller, it’s a widely observed holiday.
  • Navratri/Durga Puja: Celebrations vary by region, but they’re significant.

3. Regional Holidays

States in India celebrate unique holidays. For example:

  • Pongal (Tamil Nadu): A harvest festival in January.
  • Bihu (Assam): Another harvest festival celebrated in April.
  • Onam (Kerala): A ten-day harvest festival in August or September.

How to Build an Inclusive Office Calendar for Indian Offshore Teams

Designing an office calendar for your offshore team in India doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here’s how to get it right:

1. Offer Flexibility with Optional Holidays

Instead of attempting to include every regional and religious holiday, provide a list of optional holidays.

  • Employees can choose a certain number of days to take off based on their personal preferences.
  • This ensures inclusivity while keeping operations smooth.

2. Prioritize Major Festivals

Some holidays, like Diwali or Eid, are so universally celebrated that they should be non-negotiable public holidays for your offshore team.

3. Plan Around Holiday Clusters

Many Indian holidays fall close to each other, creating opportunities for extended leaves.

  • For example, Diwali often involves multiple days of festivities.
  • Anticipate this and adjust deadlines or workload to avoid disruptions.

Cultural Sensitivities to Consider in Benefits Packages

When designing benefits packages for Indian offshore teams, going beyond the basics can make all the difference.

1. Family-Centric Benefits

Family plays a central role in Indian culture, so benefits that extend to employees’ families are highly appreciated.

  • Health Insurance: Include coverage for spouses, children, and parents.
  • Family Leave: Consider additional leave for family emergencies or caregiving.

2. Festive Gifts

Many Indian employers offer gifts and organize celebrations during major festivals, particularly Diwali.

  • A small gift shows thoughtfulness and respect for traditions.

3. Leave Policies

Indian employees appreciate flexibility in leave policies, especially during religious and cultural events.

  • Maternity and Paternity Leave: Ensure your policies align with Indian labor laws, which require a minimum of 26 weeks of maternity leave.
  • Bereavement Leave: Culturally, extended family relationships are significant, so provide leave for such occasions.

How Offshore Team Reviews Can Incorporate Cultural Sensitivities

Conducting a fair offshore team review requires considering cultural nuances. Here’s how you can make the process more inclusive:

1. Align Goals with Holidays

Recognize that productivity might dip during festive seasons.

  • Adjust KPIs and deadlines around major holidays like Diwali or Eid.
  • Acknowledge the extra effort employees put in before or after holidays to meet targets.

2. Celebrate Successes Publicly

Indian employees value public recognition.

  • Celebrate their achievements during team meetings or in newsletters.
  • Use festivals as an opportunity to thank the team collectively for their contributions.

3. Be Mindful of Religious Practices

Religious practices like fasting during Ramadan or abstaining from certain activities during Navratri can impact work schedules.

  • Be flexible with working hours during such times.
  • Ensure that team events or meetings don’t inadvertently clash with religious observances.

Challenges in Balancing Indian Holidays with Global Operations

Accommodating Indian holidays can be a task for first-time offshore employers. Here’s how to handle them:

1. Managing Deadlines Across Time Zones

When Indian teams take extended breaks for festivals, it might affect global deadlines.

  • Plan work cycles well in advance, factoring in holiday schedules.
  • Share workload among other teams to minimize disruptions.

2. Avoiding Perceived Favoritism

Global employees might feel that Indian offshore teams receive “extra” holidays.

  • Communicate openly about why flexibility is necessary for cultural harmony.
  • Offer optional holidays for all employees to balance perceptions.

3. Balancing Inclusivity and Operational Needs

It’s impossible to accommodate every single holiday without affecting business continuity.

  • Use optional holidays as a middle ground to ensure inclusivity without operational strain.

Making Cultural Sensitivity a Core Strength: A Conclusion

Indian holidays and cultural practices offer companies an opportunity to show they value diversity. 

By incorporating thoughtful policies into office calendars and benefits packages, businesses can create a positive work environment for their offshore teams.

When offshore employees feel seen and respected, they bring their best to work. Cultural sensitivity is one of the best ways to create well-knit global teams. 

So, take the time to understand the cultural calendar, offer flexibility where needed, and create benefits that go beyond the basics. Your offshore team in India will thank you with their loyalty and exceptional work.