Keep it fun for Everyone!
In today's diverse workplace, how do you keep the holiday season in your office drama-free and diversity friendly? Here are some quick tips:
1) Recognize there's more than Christmas - Christmas is a Christian holiday and there are many more religious and cultural holidays being celebrated which coincide with December 25th. Some of the most recognized cultural and religious holidays include:
- Hanukkah which is an eight-day Jewish celebration commemorated with the lighting of one candle held by a menorah each night of the celebration;
- Kwanzaa which is a seven-day celebration commemorated by some African-Americans in which family and friends gather to discuss the seven guiding principles of Kwanzaa which are unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith;
- Ramadan which is a Muslim celebration held during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar which includes a thirty-day fast from food, drink, sex and other indulgences.
1) Recognize there's more than Christmas - Christmas is a Christian holiday and there are many more religious and cultural holidays being celebrated which coincide with December 25th. Some of the most recognized cultural and religious holidays include:
- Hanukkah which is an eight-day Jewish celebration commemorated with the lighting of one candle held by a menorah each night of the celebration;
- Kwanzaa which is a seven-day celebration commemorated by some African-Americans in which family and friends gather to discuss the seven guiding principles of Kwanzaa which are unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith;
- Ramadan which is a Muslim celebration held during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar which includes a thirty-day fast from food, drink, sex and other indulgences.
2) Do not make participation in holiday parties and events mandatory - Continue to foster an atmosphere of inclusion and respect the beliefs of all within the workplace by making participation in any holiday festivities optional. Do not highlight, penalize or stigmatize those who decline to participate.
3) Make Alcohol Optional - Along with the restrictions associated with other cultural and religious beliefs are personal restrictions, especially as it relates to indulgence in alcohol. Make alternatives to alcohol available at the holiday party so that those who do not drink alcohol will feel welcome and included. This may also prevent overindulgence in alcoholic beverages, especially since some may be driving home following the party.
4) Have A Planning Committee - To have a truly memorable and inclusive event, it is best to assemble a planning committee well ahead of time and solicit feedback from all levels of the organization on what should be included to make the office party an inclusive and memorable event.
