Acquia Culture in Action, December 2020

It’s hard to believe we are wrapping up the year! Despite needing to pivot how we stay productive with kids at home, Zoom meetings, virtual events and creative home offices, we did it and we continue to thrive!

Acquia is proud of how we’ve supported our teams amid the pandemic and the steps we’ve taken to ensure that everyone is safe, connected and celebrated. Looking ahead to 2021, we plan to continue a path of progress and culture in action for the benefit of both Acquians and our greater world.

#GiveBackMore: Holiday Gifts for Children in Need and EMEA Cheer

For the sixth year in a row, Acquia Headquarters was excited to partner with the Wonderfund on an annual Holiday Gift Drive. The Wonderfund helps support children and families engaged with the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families. Acquians sponsored over 125 children by sending personalized presents from their wishlists. While in past years we’ve gathered presents at our Boston office, this year our volunteers were all virtual. Sponsors wrapped and shipped their presents directly to the Wonderfund offices. We were so glad to do something to help make sure that these children have the opportunity to get something special during the holiday season. 

This year Acquia also made a donation on behalf of our customers and partners in EMEA to Sebastian’s Action Trust, WaterAid UK and the RAF Benevolent Fund. Our colleagues in EMEA surprised and delighted us with a collective version of “Do They Know It's Christmas Time” set to music and featuring coworkers and families across Europe. This heartwarming virtual card to all Acquians encouraged us all to Give Back More this season.

#DareToBeDifferent: Building an Inclusive Community Culture  

As part of our ongoing work to foster a more inclusive workplace and culture, we recently launched three ERG’s: Black Employees; Pride for members of the LGBTQIA+ community and the Women of Acquia. These groups are led by Acquians and welcome any members of these communities and our allies. 

Additionally, as part of our ongoing Diversity in the Workplace program, we held the first workshop and roundtable for Acquia managers that focused specifically on DEI hiring strategies and opportunities to engage with a more diverse network of candidates and foster an inclusive culture. Participants came away from the discussion with new insights and we’re looking forward to continuing the conversation by hosting more workshops soon. 

With many Acquians still working remotely around the globe, we recognize onboarding and getting to know new team members can sometimes be challenging. We wanted to find a better way to welcome new Acquians and familiarize them with our values and the meaning behind our cultural DNA. That’s why we introduced DNA Speed Meetings. Our Talent Team designed the Speed Meeting program to bring people together across departments to connect with new employees and help them learn all about Acquia’s history and mission. These different forums spanned multiple international time zones to give all Acquians an opportunity to participate.

#CommittedToAwesome Virtual Celebrations 

Our India team came together in early December for our very first Virtual Cultural Fest, "Rangmanch 2020." It was an evening of celebrating hidden talents, relaxing from work and showing how we can still come together during the holiday season.

The Event Organizing Committee worked on creating a complete Virtual Talent Show where they encouraged Acquians and their families to send in videos to be showcased over Zoom during the three-hour celebration.

We had exemplary performances which included singing, dancing, photography, poetry reading, trivia and musical instrument performances. Over 100 Acquians and their families tuned in for the event!

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Nothing represents the warmth and togetherness of this time of year quite like baking delicious treats with people you care about. Acquia teamed up with one of our sweetest customers, King Arthur Baking, to participate in an interactive baking experience. Acquians pre-heated their ovens and tuned in to a personalized holiday baking demo by the experts at King Arthur to make our own brown sugar snaps. For those still craving more, Acquians also collaborated on a virtual recipe book of their own, sharing their favorite holiday recipes for others to replicate.

Individual departments also hosted small gatherings to toast to the year’s successes and have a little fun. My own Boston team took the annual “White Elephant Swap” to Zoom and had some laughs over a variety of creative gifts.

We appreciate the way Acquians have come together and supported each other throughout 2020, and we’re looking ahead to a happy, healthy new year.