The holidays can be a time for celebration for some people and for others it can be a highly stressful and emotional period. Q4 can bring more deadlines, employees burning out, and pressure to wrap up important projects. This is why it is incredibly important to support team members and help them thrive during the holiday season.
Creating a culture of inclusivity and compassion during the holidays can help team members experience holidays in a way that works for them. There is an opportunity to create stronger connections, build more trust and improve employee morale by supporting team members through the holiday season.
Here are some creative ways to be more inclusive this holiday season.
1. Stop making it all about Christmas
From office decor to virtual holiday parties, it is important to de-center Christmas as the main focus. While Christmas is the most popular and celebrated holiday in the US, there are other holidays that need to share the limelight. Holidays like Chanukah, Kwanzaa, Diwali, Lunar New Year that are also celebrated. Centering all celebrations to be about Christmas sends the signal that this is the only important holiday that exists. Make room for other holidays by changing language to “holiday” instead of just “Christmas” and acknowledging other holidays
Quick tip: Ask employees to share a unique holiday tradition on the work culture blog
2. Spotlight health and wellness benefits to combat stress
The holidays can be a complicated time that bring up multiple emotions. From joy to overwhelm, it is necessary to remind employees about the existing health and wellness benefits that are available. From employee assistance programs to gym reimbursements, it is the perfect time to reintroduce health benefits that can help team members thrive during the busy holiday season.
Quick tip: Host an optional meditation or wellness workshop for employees or give them access to a recorded training on stress management
3. Encourage using PTO to recharge
Let’s be honest, the very last week of the year is often a slow and quiet week for many workplaces. With clients and employees taking time off, it can become a quiet and chill week. Some organizations decide to close their office doors during a portion of the holiday, while others offer floating PTO for those who would rather work during the holidays and bank their time off for other periods of the year. Either way, this is an excellent time to recommend taking time off after a busy year.
Encourage PTO for employees observing holidays that may require time off, fasting, or other family obligations like time off from school.
Quick tip: Check in with employees who have not taken the standard company amount of PTO and encourage them to take a few days off in the holiday season or at the beginning of the year to recharge.
4. Re-imagine Holiday Celebrations and Gift-Giving
Traditionally, in-person or hybrid workplaces host holiday parties that encourage employees to attend.
Voluntary participation in events and gift-giving: In order to be inclusive of employees who may be more introverted, have caretaking commitments, or just feel exhausted from the year, it is important to stress that participation is optional. Pressuring team members to show up is a no-no. Also ensure that all celebrations like white elephant and secret santa are clearly labeled as optional and not required, because it is important that there is no assumption about employees’ financial position.
Holiday party timing: Hosting a holiday party during work hours can boost attendance and eliminate the stress of finding childcare, spending money on transportation, and add yet another holiday event to the busy calendar. While it may take away from “work hours”, it will boost morale to host events that do not overlap with personal commitments. It also signals that togetherness and belonging is just as important as hitting deadlines.
Decentering alcohol: Alcohol can often be highlighted as the “main event” or holiday gatherings, which can feel isolating for those who are sober or choose not to drink for personal or religious reasons. Instead, take the focus off of alcohol and also provide options for people who choose not to consume alcohol. Have alcoholic drinks available but have a wide variety of non-alcholic bevvies as well!
Quick tip: Poll employees on holiday party options, so they can be involved in the planning process. Ask about the desired timing, theme, and activities.
Final note:
Overall, the holidays can be a joyous time but they can also add a lot of stress and sadness for people. Acknowledging that some employees may not celebrate any holidays for personal, cultural, or religious reasons, is important for creating an inclusive culture.
In order to make all employees feel valued and respected, it is important to invite feedback on upcoming holiday events and even allow them to opt-out if they don’t want to come or have other obligations. Being inclusive during the holidays is a great way to lead back to the larger goal of creating an environment where all employees thrive, regardless of their identity or cultural traditions.
Looking for help with creating and communicating an inclusive holiday employee experience next year? Email hello@simonemcnish.com to book a call.
