Our J&J employees today represent more than 70 different nationalities. At J&J we also come into contact with people from different parts of the world on a daily basis. In the second quarter of the year, we are excited to celebrate a variety of cultural holidays together. These occasions provide us with a wonderful opportunity to honor the rich cultural tapestry within our community. During these times, we will have a selection of snacks/treats that are traditionally enjoyed by those observing these holidays. We invite everyone to join in the festivities and partake in these delightful offerings as a way to connect and appreciate our diverse backgrounds. The celebrations below are the ones we have celebrated or will celebrate in the second quarter.

Baklava

Eid al Fitr ​​​​​​​– The culmination of Ramadan is celebrated with Eid al-Fitr, which marks the first day of the Islamic month of Shawwal. This joyous occasion brings communities together as many Muslims attend communal prayers, listen to a khutbah (sermon), and give Zakat al-Fitr—charity in the form of food—to those in need, thereby fostering a spirit of generosity and compassion.Ramadan started on March 1st this year and lasted until March 30th/31st.

“Fostering a spirit of generosity and compassion”

To celebrate Eid al-Fitr together, we had the pleasure of offering delicious baklava at all locations on April 3rd. This sweet treat not only signifies celebration but also reflects the rich cultural traditions associated with this festive day.

Easter – A holiday celebrated by Christians to recognize Jesus’ return from death after the crucifixion. An egg contains the potential for new life – it symbolizes the resurrection of Christ. Easter starts on the first Sunday after the first full moon in spring.

“An egg contains the potential for new life”

The tradition of hiding eggs originates from Germanic customs, where eggs, as symbols of fertility, were buried in fields to ensure the fertility of those fields in return.
In the Jewish holiday of Passover (Pesach), which commemorates the exodus from Egypt, a hard-boiled and then roasted egg is placed on the Seder plate, a dish that is set on the table during the Seder evening while recounting the story of the exodus from Egypt.


On April 22nd, we celebrated Easter at JNJ by having Easter eggs available at various locations. With this initiative we embraced the rich cultural heritage that connects these traditions, allowing us to celebrate diversity and inclusivity within our community.

Keti Koti – Keti Koti, which means ‘the chains are broken’ in Sranan Tongo, originates from the emancipation of enslaved people in Suriname on July 1, 1863. This date marks the end of slavery in the Dutch colony, and Keti Koti is celebrated annually to honor and remember the struggles and resilience of those who endured oppression. The festival includes various cultural activities and reflections on the importance of freedom and equality, fostering dialogue about racial justice.

From ERG to EBRG ​​​​​​​– Recently ERG (Employee Resource Group) was rebranded to EBRG (Employee Business Resource Group) reflects a strategic shift in focus and purpose within the organization. Here are the key aspects of this transition:


  1. Broader Scope: The term "Business" in EBRG emphasizes the alignment of these groups with the company's overall business objectives. This shift aims to integrate employee resource initiatives more closely with corporate strategies, fostering a stronger connection between employee engagement and business outcomes.
  2. Enhanced Inclusivity: Rebranding to EBRG highlights a commitment to inclusivity and diversity, signifying that these groups are not just support networks, but also active contributors to the business landscape. By incorporating "business" into the name, it underscores the importance of diverse perspectives in driving innovation and growth.
  3. Cultural Shift: The rebranding signals a cultural shift within the organization, aiming to create a workplace environment where diversity is seen as a business asset. It encourages all employees to participate and contribute to the larger organizational mission, thereby enhancing overall engagement.

Overall, the transition from ERG to EBRG is an important step in recognizing the integral role that diverse employee groups play in fostering an inclusive workplace that aligns with and supports business objectives.


Information about: J&J’s Office of Inclusion shares refreshed strategy, can be found in this Home article.

Latoya-Maria Sarijoen

Sr. Supervisor QC Advanced Therapies
Sample Management Team / DEI Lead Leiden

This content is intended for the region in which it is being distributed.