Dear HR Manager from Accommodating Boss
Dear HR Manager:
My office celebrates Christmas, but my team is multicultural, and I don’t want to offend anyone. How do I include them in the holiday spirit?
– Accommodating Boss
Dear Accommodating Boss:
This time of year has many joyful traditions – Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Pancha Ganapati – but that makes it a challenge to plan a workplace celebration that all can enjoy. To celebrate the holidays while respecting other traditions, consider these tips.
Determine what employees want.
Create a holiday committee with diverse representation or conduct an employee survey to gather ideas on preferred decorations, activities, and meals.
Show respect.
Avoid exclusive religious decorations unless requested by the employee survey or the holiday committee. Keep communication open by encouraging the sharing of traditions, ensuring that celebrations enhance the festive spirit for everyone.
Plan holiday parties with care.
Instead of a Christmas party, host a “holiday” celebration that focuses on universal themes like hope, peace, and the spirit of giving. Choose a time that avoids conflicts with specific holidays. Recognize financial constraints when planning gift exchanges or charitable contributions.
Work with HR and corporate leadership to be accommodating.
Acknowledge and accommodate unique needs for holiday celebrations. Offer floating holidays or flexible work hours for days of observance not on the company’s holiday calendar.
Adopt an open, learning-focused perspective.
Opt for inclusive language and decorations to avoid inadvertently excluding or offending employees with different beliefs. Instead of mandatory festivities, provide options for employees to participate voluntarily, respecting diverse preferences and financial situations. Remember, the goal is to enrich the holiday season with joy while respecting the diversity of employees.
Originally featured in UBA’s December 2023 HR Elements Newsletter.
