At DISQO, it’s the little things that make a big difference.
Like the calendar that shows holidays across the globe celebrated by remote teams, or eating Finnish or Armenian snacks brought by visiting teammates in the kitchen of the Glendale office, what makes working at DISQO so special is the authentic moments that foster connection, belonging and joy; at least, that’s according to Anthony Fabiano, senior manager of people operations.
“These moments build connections, spark conversation and create an environment where celebration is genuinely shared,” Fabiano said. “For DISQO, coming together across geography and culture is what makes our gatherings meaningful.”
Built In spoke with Fabiano about how the team creates moments of global connection through employee-led experiences, and what this means for the company culture as a whole.
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What do holiday celebrations look like in your office? How did these traditions develop?
The holiday season at DISQO is more than a celebration — it’s a way to strengthen connection, inclusion and belonging across our teams. Over time, we’ve built traditions that reflect our values and capture the spirit of who we are. Our Thanksgiving gathering, for example, is rooted in celebrating gratitude and diversity by encouraging employees to share dishes that represent their own cultures and family traditions.
In December, our companywide giving initiatives focus on community impact, with donation drives that support local shelters and hospitals. We close out the year with our Virtual End of Year Awards, which are: Win as One Team, Champion the Customer, Pursue Outsized Impact and Be Relentlessly All In. The awards are a spirited celebration honoring employees who exemplify our core values and principles. It’s a chance to spotlight those who have made an exceptional impact at DISQO. Together, these moments cultivate pride, connection and purpose — reminding us that at DISQO, we don’t just celebrate together, we indeed win as one team.
How does your company best support inclusive celebrations that allow everyone to participate comfortably?
We approach global collaboration with purpose and intention. We want everyone, no matter where they’re based at DISQO, to feel connected and included. This year, we introduced a companywide holiday calendar to help teams stay aware of the holidays our international colleagues celebrate. We also share updates in Slack that highlight the history and traditions behind these global holidays, giving everyone a chance to learn more about the diverse cultures that make up our DISQO community.
For our in-office events, we invite everyone to bring a piece of their cultural experience — be it a recipe, a holiday treat from childhood, or a favorite local specialty they discovered while traveling. When our international teammates visit the Glendale office, for example, they bring treats from Finland or Armenia to share.
These moments build connections, spark conversation and create an environment where celebration is genuinely shared. For DISQO, coming together across geography and culture is what makes our gatherings meaningful.
What advice do you have for organizations seeking to build new traditions or festive holiday gatherings?
The key to building lasting traditions is genuine employee buy-in. Start by recognizing that the holidays mean something different to everyone — for some, it’s a joyful time of celebration, while for others, it can be more difficult or isolating. Keeping that in mind ensures your plans are thoughtful, inclusive and respectful of all experiences.
The most meaningful traditions are those that grow organically, not ones that feel forced. We use employee feedback from our internal quarterly employee experience surveys to understand what matters most to them — we ask which aspects of the season resonate with them and design celebrations that reflect those values. After events, we follow up with a quick post-event survey to gather real-time feedback and reactions, helping shape future experiences.
Above all, at DISQO, we encourage people to share their own traditions or cultural touches if they feel comfortable. These authentic contributions foster connection, belonging and joy. When employees see themselves reflected in your celebrations, the traditions you build together will naturally thrive.
