Altana Company Culture & Values

What do holiday celebrations look like in your office, and how did these traditions develop?

At Altana, our holiday celebrations reflect the same spirit that drives our culture year-round — community, creativity and inclusivity. As the seasons change, our office transforms with thoughtful décor that captures the festive energy of each time of year. In the fall, we fill the space with warm colors, pumpkins and candy bowls leading up to our annual “Pizza & Boos” Halloween celebration — complete with costumes, games and spooky movie visuals in our Town Hall.

As winter approaches, our office celebrates multiple traditions side by side. You’ll find a menorah for Hanukkah, a kinara for Kwanzaa and small light-up evergreen trees that bring seasonal cheer. We love the sparkle of lights, metallic accents and festive greenery that create a cozy yet neutral environment where everyone feels welcome.

These traditions evolved naturally as our company grew through feedback from employees across hubs and a shared goal of creating joyful, low-pressure moments to connect. Whether it’s a bake-off, trivia night or seasonal happy hour, our celebrations are rooted in togetherness and fun.

How does Altana best support inclusive celebrations that allow everyone to participate comfortably?

Inclusion is at the heart of every celebration we plan. We’re mindful to ensure our events and décor honor all cultures and preferences without assuming everyone celebrates the same way. For example, we avoid large Christmas-specific displays, instead opting for seasonal décor that celebrates light, warmth and togetherness across traditions.

We also aim to provide variety, from remote-friendly programming like our upcoming Fall Mixology Class and virtual raffles to in-person activities that mix casual fun with creativity, such as our monthly bake-offs, Heritage Happy Hour, and Wellness Month challenges. This gives everyone a way to participate comfortably and authentically, no matter where they work from.

Above all, we create space for employee input. Our Culture Club and Women’s Community Group encourage cross-team collaboration on event ideas, ensuring our celebrations reflect the voices and values of our entire community.

What advice do you have for organizations seeking to build new traditions or festive holiday gatherings?

Start small, listen often and keep people at the center. The most meaningful traditions are the ones that grow organically from your company culture, not from a checklist of holidays. Ask your employees what types of gatherings or themes resonate most with them, and build from there.

Balance is also key. Mix moments of joy and celebration with opportunities for reflection or giving back, such as volunteer drives or “Giving Tuesday” initiatives. And remember that inclusivity isn’t about doing everything; it’s about being intentional with what you do. A few small, thoughtful touches, like multi-holiday décor, a shared meal or an office playlist curated by employees, can make everyone feel seen and appreciated. At the end of the day, it’s not just about the size of the event. What matters most is fostering connection, gratitude and belonging.