While the holiday season is a meaningful time of year for many, it looks different for everyone and can be a challenging time for others, so inclusivity at work celebrations is essential. In 2022, 57% of companies planned to host in-person holiday parties, according to a study by Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc. If your workplace is planning a celebration this year, keep inclusion top of mind. Invite your employees to share their holiday traditions, but respect those who choose not to, and avoid assuming anyone’s affiliation with a holiday. By educating yourself on seasonal holidays, displaying décor for more than one holiday, including remote workers, and making the celebration optional, you can create a welcoming environment for everyone.
If your employees would prefer not to celebrate with a holiday party, consider recognizing employees, celebrating this year’s accomplishments, sharing an experience as a group, or offering additional schedule flexibility or time off. No matter how you recognize this season, use these 10 tips to practice inclusion and make the celebration at work a positive experience.
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I observe Chanukah and don’t expect everyone to be an expert on the holiday or what it’s about, but it would be awesome if observers of Christmas would not assume they are at the same time or that it’s a “Jewish Christmas.” It’s not. They sometimes overlap (as they do next year), but they are unrelated celebrations. Stop trying to turn everything into Christmas. Don’t call it a “holiday” part and then have everything be Christmas colors and decorated trees and such. We aren’t offended in any way by Christmas celebrations. Just call it what it is or change the name and also include representations from other holidays.