The holiday season is a time for celebration, joy, and togetherness. In a diverse workplace (like ours), it’s super important that celebrations embrace everyone, making sure it’s all-inclusive and respectful. We want everyone to feel that warmth and joy without leaving anyone out!
So, I’ve been working on this virtual holiday party program at Civility Partners, and our CEO, Catherine, was spot on in reminding me to call it a “holiday” party rather than a “Christmas” one, which totally makes sense since not everyone celebrates Christmas, right? And our COO, Rebecca, also made a great point about being inclusive in our activities. I’m really lucky to work with leaders who genuinely care about everyone and go the extra mile for our inclusivity efforts.
Inclusive Holiday Celebration at Work
So I came up with a few ideas brewing on how to create an inclusive holiday celebration at work.
Collect Employee Feedback
Making decisions needs solid data to prioritize efforts and set the stage for future success. That’s why checking in with your team, whether it’s regularly or during their onboarding, can give you invaluable insights into what they need and want.
One way to start is by asking a question like, “How comfortable do you feel expressing yourself at work?” Unfortunately, not everyone feels they can be their true selves or freely voice their thoughts at work. A Gallup survey found that only three in 10 employees strongly feels their opinions really count at work.
Establish a System of Training
Establish your system of training all year round. Relying on a single standalone training program is not sufficient to create meaningful change in company culture. We all know this instinctively, but in practice, many companies continue to do a little training here and there and hope it makes a difference.
Our experience working with organizations of all sizes, from international corporations with thousands of employees to small consulting firms, has shown that embracing a system of training as a central part of company culture is what brings about positive change and creates a desirable work environment.
Part of that means offering DEIB, intercultural communication, bystander to upstander, psychological safety training and more. These sessions aren’t just about ticking a box; they’re about educating your team on cultural awareness and sensitivity. Check out our most popular training programs here.
Add Global Holidays to your Company Calendar
Having a roadmap of major holidays and festivities throughout the year is a fantastic way to keep your team in sync. Many organizations use interfaith calendars to keep track of significant dates. Here are some key holidays to remember during the holiday season:
- December 7-15: Hanukkah (Jewish)
- December 8: Bodhi Day (Buddhist)
- December 16-24: Posadas Navidenas (Hispanic Christian)
- December 23-January 1: Yule (Pagan and Wiccan)
- December 25: Christmas (Christian)
Floating holiday options can be a great way for each team member to observe their most significant celebrations. It’s crucial that during these times, managers and coworkers respect their colleagues’ time away from work.
Opt for Inclusive Decorations and Activities
When it comes to decorating the workplace or planning holiday activities, inclusivity is key. Choosing symbols and themes that embrace a variety of celebrations helps create an environment where everyone feels included and respected.
One approach is to opt for neutral decorations, like winter-themed décor. Snowflakes, winter landscapes, or seasonal greenery can add a festive touch without tying to a specific holiday.
Another great idea is to incorporate a range of cultural symbols that represent the diversity within your team. This could involve displaying decorations or symbols from various traditions and celebrations, celebrating the richness of different cultures and backgrounds.
Respect Individual Choices
Respecting individual choices during holiday-related activities is crucial. Not everyone may want to take part in these celebrations due to personal beliefs, preferences, or various reasons. Making sure participation is entirely voluntary and never mandatory is key to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels comfortable.
Additionally, being mindful about alcohol in the context of gift exchanges or parties is important. Some individuals may choose not to drink for personal or cultural reasons. Establishing guidelines regarding the serving of alcohol at employee gatherings is a thoughtful step.
Closing Thoughts
Building an inclusive holiday celebration at work isn’t just about tinsel and lights; it’s about weaving a tapestry of respect, understanding, and appreciation for everyone on the team.
Catherine’s LinkedIn Learning course on Managing Diversity is a goldmine. It’ll help you craft a solid plan to champion diversity and inclusion at work.
As we wrap up our plans for this year’s festivities, remember that inclusivity isn’t a one-time event—it’s a commitment that transforms workplace culture into a warm and welcoming space for all, not just during the holidays but all year round.
Happy Holidays!
Written by: Jennifer Areola
