End of year celebrations – Supporting diversity and inclusion in the workplace during the holidays.
Dilemmas around the holidays – what do you do… Christmas tree up in the workplace? Christmas cards and Kris Kringle celebrations? Do you wish everyone happy festive season? Do you totally ignore the time of year altogether in the spirit of not insulting others who may not be celebrating? But then, do you potentially insult people in the workplace that do celebrate Christmas? Does your head spin with all these questions? That is understandable, because it does for me!
I am very blessed, as a Jewish woman, to celebrate Hanukkah as well as Christmas as my partner is Christian. In our household we celebrate the diversity and gifts of two traditions – we have the Christmas tree and Hanukah candles up, so we all celebrate the month of December with double the joy. Our children love December so much with all the sparkle and light!
So for me, the lesson I share with you from my own experience in December often begins by just being mindful of diversity, inclusion and belonging in the workplace. Whatever you do to recognise the month of December, a good start is by consulting with all those in the workplace. Have the conversation, listen to everyone’s contributions and collectively decide how you as a team recognising and valuing everyone’s differences, want to celebrate the month of December!
Just remember in the month of December there are numerous celebration days across a wide variety of backgrounds.
A couple of tips for building awareness of diversity and creating an inclusive holiday environment:
So however you choose to celebrate the month of December in the workplace, the key message is to celebrate the multitude of traditions from many cultures and use it as an opportunity to further your understanding of those around you.
So until next year... enjoy, celebrate, and be grateful for the simple joys this time of year gives us. Often the most wonderful connections are made when diversity is celebrated.