Here are 10 Ways to Be More Inclusive in the Office This Holiday Season

Use these tips to be more inclusive in the office this holiday season so everyone has fun.

1. Invite everyone to a meeting

Scheduling an all-hands meeting is the best way to get ahead of the holidays. Everyone should join a conversation to discuss what they celebrate or what they most look forward to during the holidays. Your co-workers might not have festivities related to a religion or culture. They may only want to make specific recipes or listen to certain songs.

Everyone’s feedback will help you create the ultimate holiday party or festivities. If you don’t think everyone can attend, you could also send an anonymous survey with a deadline a few weeks before the holidays.

2. Research various backgrounds

You might think you know which holidays are most important to your co-workers, but there are more cultural events during winter than many people realize. Researching various cultures and religious backgrounds leads to more informed choices about how you can be inclusive. Even if you decide that your workplace is too large to recognize everyone’s specific holidays, you’ll at least avoid stereotypes or misconceptions in conversations.

3. Avoid specific religions

Recognizing and celebrating everyone makes people more inclusive because everyone feels appreciated. However, recognizing one person’s religious holiday and leaving out another’s could lead to resentment and ostracism.

Your co-workers can decorate their desks or cubicles with the holiday decor they love. Regarding office events, it’s best to avoid things like manger displays, menorahs or miniature Bodhi trees. Keep things nondenominational so no one feels judged or left out.

4. Pick diverse volunteers

Imagine that you’re planning a party with three other people and decide to order a pepperoni pizza. It seems like a great idea until one of your attendees reminds you they’re lactose intolerant. You may not consider including their needs because no one on the party planning committee has ever had problems digesting dairy.

Getting a diverse group of volunteers for holiday planning sessions is always a good idea. Additional perspectives and backgrounds will create informed celebrations that don’t leave anyone out.

5. Send digital invites

Winter-themed party invitations are available at most stores. It’s tempting to pick some up for your office events, but digital invites are more inclusive. People with vision impairments can increase the font or magnify their browsers. If someone prefers text-to-speech programs, their software will easily read the invite or email.

6. Create a custom playlist

Parties wouldn’t be the same without background music. You could play an automatically generated playlist on your preferred music streaming service, but you won’t control which songs come through your speakers. There could be religious songs about a holiday that some of your co-works don’t celebrate. To overcome this, spend a few minutes making a custom playlist of non-religious winter songs that don’t mention religious themes.

7. Celebrate all of your office staff

Everyone from interns to C-Suite members should feel appreciated during the holidays. Remember to provide thank-you gifts for hired cleaning team members or office supply restockers too. When they stop by during their shifts, a small bag of goodies goes a long way in showing your workplace’s holiday spirit.

8. Focus on food

Most people make special recipes during their holiday festivities. Food spans religions and cultures, so host a workplace potluck. Invite everyone to make the foods they love so everyone can taste them and learn from their histories. The party doesn’t need a specific theme other than showing gratitude for everyone’s hard work in their roles.

9. Host celebrations during office hours

Some people can’t drive themselves or afford cars, so they carpool to work. They might also ride a public transportation system to get back and forth. Hosting a holiday party after-hours might mean they can’t make it. Their transportation schedules might not be flexible enough for them to join.

Plan any holiday events during office hours so everyone can participate. They’ll already be on-site for work, so a small party will only make their days brighter.

10. Keep things free or affordable

You may be thinking about hosting a gift exchange this year. If your co-workers agree, remember to keep a low limit on gifts. People on tight budgets shouldn’t have to feel stressed or uncomfortable if they can’t afford to participate.

Starting events at the office during work hours also means people can attend for free. Instead of paying for an expensive meal at a restaurant, they just have to walk from their desk to a conference room. More people will be able to participate because it won’t strain their budgets.

Make this holiday season more inclusive

Everyone should have fun during the holidays, especially at workplace events. Use these tips to plan more inclusive gatherings in the office this holiday season without stress. Finding ways to be more considerate and kind means no one will feel left out.