For many people, Christmas time is the most wonderful time of the year. It promotes peace, love and generosity. At this time of year especially, home, family, friends and people we cherish in general, come to mind. In addition, Christmas coincides with the end of the Gregorian calendar year, so it’s the point in time when many reflect on what happened in time gone by. However, we should begin appreciating that not everyone follows, supports or believes in a festive season influenced by Christianity. There are countries, for example, that don’t celebrate Christmas and have people who did not grow up with or participate in related activities. In fact, many activities, across different cultures, happen between December and March.
This festivity has an important role in the workplace, as some companies have diverse workforces. So considering that not everyone is Christian or has the same religious traditions, and by opening up their company culture, businesses should find ways to make all the employees feel included and comfortable during festivities.
5 things companies can do to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace
Avoid exclusionary language
We are all different, so it is important to be sensitive to the fact that people have different religious and cultural traditions. Instead of saying ‘Merry Christmas’, you can say ‘Happy Holidays’. In addition, you can say ‘(holiday) vacation period’ instead of ‘Christmas period’.
Consider dietary restrictions
While ham and other meats are a popular foods during the holiday season, many cultural groups (Jewish, Islamic or Hindu) would not eat or be comfortable around this and other kinds of meat. That's why it's important to serve food that meets employees' kosher, halal, and vegetarian dietary needs, amongst others.
Education as an inclusion activity
If your office chooses to put up Christmas or other religion-based decorations, look for ways to make them inclusive. Consider adding educational cards to explain the religious tradition to others and avoid specific religious symbols.
Raise awareness about other religions
Ask employees what holidays are important to them and recognise those religious holidays throughout the year. When you bring people together to celebrate in that way, it can help create better engagement. Companies can organise different activities and learn from different cultures and experience aspects of those cultures (e.g. food, music, etc.).
Avoid assumptions
Try to not make assumptions about other people’s beliefs and create safe spaces where everyone can feel included. There are several activities that can create spaces that are neutral and independent of specific religious beliefs (e.g. potlucks where people can exchange cultural foods, have open conversations to share insights, commonalities, etc.; nights of x number of cultures, to showcase traditions, dress, music, etc.)
By facilitating these types of diversity and inclusion initiatives, organisations can have a positive impact on employee experience and ultimately increase employee engagement with events.
Embracing differences is the future of work
Studies by McKinsey & Company have shown the benefits of diversity in the workplace. More diverse companies tend to perform better than average. Diverse and inclusive leadership teams also have greater experiences and unique points of view to draw from, which can help with finding solutions to problems, and generate new ideas.
Appreciating and accepting diversity in the workplace helps staff feel valued for their unique qualities, ideas and perspectives, and this extends to recognising that staff may wish to celebrate culturally important or religious days and events throughout the year. Workplaces should also take steps to help raise awareness, increase representation in cultural and religious leadership groups, and prioritise inclusion through cultural days that involve celebrating different standard events (e.g. festivals).
Now, I would like to ask you: What can you do to make this holiday season more inclusive at your workplace? Think about it and suggest to your manager or your employer’s human resources or responsible department, some of the things you can easily implement to help everyone feel involved!
Paula Dalmau
Communications Coordinator Sales and Marketing, Medline Iberia
Paula is a passionate Spanish writer based in Madrid. Her interests are well-being, emotional intelligence and business topics. Her educational background is in journalism, advertising, public relations and digital marketing. Learn more on LinkedIn.
19 December 2023
