At RCC, our employees aren’t just a part of a team but an integral part of the RCC family. The HalloThankMas party is a true testament to the inclusive and caring culture that surrounds us at RCC. There is a genuine appreciation for employees year-round, and this party transcends the boundaries of traditional seasonal celebrations.
Embracing the season with Hallothankmas
The innovative fusion of Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas festivities isn’t just about blending holidays. It’s a deliberate effort to acknowledge and accommodate the diverse schedules of RCC’s workforce. Nancy, HalloThankMas party planner extraordinaire, shares that the evolution of this unique celebration was initially rooted in timing concerns around commuting and varying holiday commitments. The HalloThankMas celebration spans several years, shifting between different holidays, accommodating remote workers, and encouraging family involvement.
This year’s celebration focused on staff relaxation and just joining together to converse, laugh, play games and, of course, eat delicious food. “We really felt like the staff were looking for a low-key event with a minimal agenda so they could focus on gathering and catching up with each other,” Nancy says.
The company had dinner catered in and staff were able to gather in different rooms of the office, all decorated in various holiday decor, to eat and be merry with co-workers and family. Of course, the party wouldn’t be complete without the traditional “Saran wrap ball and oven mitts” game, where employees have to unwrap a large ball of Saran wrap to locate tickets which give them entrance to what is dubbed “The Prize Palace” to choose their gift.
Despite geographical distances, RCC always aims to include remote employees in their initiatives. All RCC employees get to choose between a prize of an RCC embroidered winter jacket or backpack. As the company always ensures their remote staff feel valued and included.
Holly Peterson, Human Resources and member of the leadership team, shared how enjoyable it was to attend the event and see many of the faces of remote workers that they don’t get to see on a daily basis. She also shared her appreciation for Freddie and Nancy planning the event. “It’s one time where we are not in charge of anything or having to plan it…we know it’s all taken care of and we can have fun! I appreciate all they do for it because i know it’s a lot,” Holly stated.
Genuine staff appreciation beyond festivities
RCC’s culture of appreciation extends far beyond hosting parties. It’s about fostering an environment where employees feel genuinely valued and supported daily. The company’s leadership ensures employees receive not only gifts but also practical support, flexibility, and understanding of personal needs. Nancy shares that on tough days, leadership is always understanding if a staff member needs a break, a hug, or if the group has had a busy day and needs to take a break in the kitchen for some Dairy Queen ice cream. “There have been times where the team is taking a break to recharge in the kitchen and a member of the leadership team stays up in the offices to man the phones. So it extends across the board and leadership is always willing to help and support us,” Nancy shares.
“We just want them to know that RCC knows that they are more than just an employee. We know they have family and things outside of work. Work will always be here but it isn’t your whole life. We want them to know that we care about them as a person,” Holly shares. While leadership plays a pivotal role, RCC’s positive work environment is a collective effort.
Every employee contributes to this supportive atmosphere, making RCC’s culture inclusive and uplifting. “Every one of our team members is always willing to help another out, even if they don’t know much about the topic, they are willing to be there for moral support…I think because that caring culture comes from the top down, it guides everyone else to follow suit and treat each other in that same way,” Nancy states about the support she feels from every employee in the RCC family.
The story of HalloThankMas isn’t just about a festive gathering—it’s a testament to the value placed on employees, their families, and the collective spirit that defines their workplace culture. In a world where work-life balance and employee satisfaction are paramount, RCC strives to stand out as a beacon of employee appreciation and support, continuing to set a remarkable example for others to follow.