There aren’t many cities in the world that have more of a connection with the holiday season than New York City.
The city has a long history with Christmas iconography, like the Rockefeller tree. Rockefeller Plaza was famously created during the Great Depression, the construction of which offered jobs to over 40,000 people during a time when a paycheck was desperately needed by most.
The first Christmas tree in Rockefeller Plaza was a 20-foot balsam that workers wrapped in paper garlands, strings of cranberries and sparse ornaments, according to the New-York Historical Society. When the last ornament was hung, receiving a paycheck for the work felt like a holiday gift for many who were able to find work helping decorate the area.
Building and decorating the plaza over the course of 11 years became a representation of the spirit of New York City. The creation of the plaza itself during the Great Depression reflects a spirit of perseverance. The fact that the construction was completed by thousands of immigrants — hailing from Ireland, Italy, Scandinavia, Eastern Europe, Germany and notably the Canadian indigenous Mohawk ironworkers who built nearly every skyscraper in New York City — reflects the mosaic heart of the city.
The holidays, New York City and the multicultural industrious core of “the American worker” all go hand in hand.
Built In NYC wanted to hear how tech workers are celebrating the holidays today in the city that is the melting pot of the United States. We spoke with one of the People team leaders at Order.co about how the fintech company’s teammates will raise a glass to their hard work.
Order.co is a fintech company that makes a spend efficiency platform with a mission to simplify buying for businesses.
Give us an overview of the holiday season at Order.co. Are there any companywide celebrations or days off?
We love holidays at Order.co; this permeates our culture year-round! From virtual events and games, to happy hours, costume contests, trivia and days off — we’re constantly finding new ways to come together to celebrate occasions across a variety of religions, backgrounds and traditions.
Of all the epic gatherings we plan, I look forward to our annual holiday party in January the most. We fly everyone to our headquarters in NYC to collaborate in person and let loose over team dinners, a companywide happy hour for employees and their partners and a big party hosted at super top-secret venues. It’s the perfect way to celebrate our successes, laugh with colleagues and get hyped for the new year ahead!
“It’s the perfect way to celebrate our successes, laugh with colleagues and get hyped for the new year ahead.”
How does Order.co make the holidays inclusive?
Order.co offers flexible time off for folks to use as they please. We recognize that holidays and traditions look different for everyone, so this allows people to use their PTO in a way that makes sense to them. We’re also mindful of planning events around religious holidays and observances so all can participate!
What makes the holiday celebrations a reflection of Order.co’s values, mission and culture?
During the holiday party festivities, we host a coveted Value Awards ceremony to acknowledge team members who embody what it means to be a stellar Order.co employee. We’re big on recognition here, which keeps the vibes at an all-time high!
This ceremony isn’t complete without a few tricks up our sleeve. The lore and pageantry could be my favorite part about our culture here at Order.co — and don’t forget about surprise musical guests! One of our core values, “The Limit Does Not Exist,” not only applies to our hardworking mindset, but also our ability to pull off practical jokes and commit to the bit. A truly memorable day that keeps everyone reminiscing all year long.
