Creating Office Party Inclusivity
By EmployDiversity
Company holiday parties are great times for HR managers to build greater understanding and joy between diverse and mainstream professionals
The winter holiday season in the United States and Europe can be a stressful time for a variety of reasons. Organizations still expect staff to meet objectives while employees scramble during their free time to buy gifts and attend family and community events and observances. Companies do not exist in a bubble, however, separate from the rest of society. Moreover, society has become more diverse in the variety of expressions of gratitude and worship.
The overwhelming sentiment of Western societies over the past half-century has been Christian and European. However, non-Christian and non-European residents and workers have sought to create spaces of their own to maintain their own beliefs and practices. Acknowledgment in the workplace of various world views and practices can go a long way toward fostering a sense of community and cooperation within organizations. Recognition of different practices can also help close the distances between colleagues caused by cultural misunderstandings and misperceptions.
Office holiday parties offer an outstanding opportunity for HR managers to foster a sense of inclusiveness in the workplace.
Begin Early
HR can actually set the stage for the office holiday party several weeks before the event. Let employees of different persuasions know they can approach HR to tell them about their winter holiday practices.
HR can then circulate an email or series of short emails that highlight the different occasions represented by employees that may overlap the Christian season, or that may occur just after the dates popularly celebrated. For instance, Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas early in January. HR can employ the help of staff members that practice Christmas at that time to put together a short narrative of how they celebrate the occasion.
Relabel the Party
Instead of calling the party “The Company Christmas Party,” rename it “The Winter Celebration” or “The Winter Holidays Party.” The label illustrates to everyone in the organization that the party is for all staff, no matter their beliefs or practices.
Call Out the Diversity of Beliefs
During the party make mention of the various cultures and winter practices represented throughout the organization. The recognition shouldn’t be long-winded. Instead, call-outs and shows of respect for the diversity of beliefs that power the organization are sufficient. Some mention of the variety of celebrations goes a long way toward helping all employees feel a part of a truly special organization.
Be Aware of Dietary Allowances
Know before the party what staff can and cannot eat during the holiday party. For instance, orthodox Muslims eschew pork. Many immigrants from India are vegetarians. HR should be open to employees to voice their dietary strictures to avoid embarrassment or insult during what should be joyous occasions. Buffet-style offerings are also more conducive to a reinforcing a sense of diversity and sensitivity than are a la carte servings.
And make the affairs alcohol-free. Not only do many faiths practice abstinence from intoxicating spirits, but it will help organizations avoid embarrassing moments that would only have happened because of the sort of relaxation of personal discipline for which alcohol is famous.
Fun for All
Entertainment during holiday office parties should be acultural, as universal in their sense of fun as possible. Avoid the discomfort of participants by organizing performances or games that tease other faiths or holiday practices. Also, avoid costumes and songs that one group may find funny at the expense of another group. For instance, African-Americans find “blackface” or “Minstrel Shows” highly insulting and hurtful.
HR managers need to do their research and even run their ideas past others in the diverse community of their organizations to ensure the company party agenda is appropriate for all. Not just for the most influential clique in the company.
