- To support a diverse workforce during the festive season, employers should foster an accepting environment that includes everyone.
- Providing choice regarding annual leave is key to ensuring all employees’ beliefs and cultural holidays are recognised.
- Gifts should not be restrictive towards any lifestyles or abilities.
December can be a highly anticipated time for many employees; bringing the year to a close, celebrating achievements and having a break from work. In order for employers to be inclusive with Christmas and festive celebrations, they should consider that not everyone will have the same expectations or attitudes, and may have differing family circumstances, financial situations or religious beliefs. This will influence an employer’s plan for celebrations and gifts.
Considerate communication
Employers that want to positively connect with, and demonstrate appreciation for, their employees at this time of year should gather their perspectives to gain an understanding of their wants and needs.
Incorporating a range of perspectives through a diverse planning committee can ensure different beliefs and backgrounds are represented, and that any other cultural or religious festivals within the same time frame can be equally acknowledged and celebrated, says Georgia Norman, people coordinator at Buyagift and Red Letter Days.
“Inviting employees to share their feelings and suggestions can help to ensure everyone is satisfied with the arrangements and can enjoy a festive atmosphere that is fitting for all,” she adds.
Employers should encourage understanding between people of different backgrounds and cultures, because this can create an accepting work environment and feeling of togetherness within a workforce.
Chris Ronald, vice presidentEurope, Middle East and Africa (Emea) B2B – incentives, rewards and benefits at BHN, says: “Open communication should always be encouraged, with frequent pulse surveys with employees to measure engagement and highlight their needs throughout the year. Organisations could promote casual team meetings or informal chats to gather insight into how the team celebrates the festive season. Inclusive language, such as holiday season or winter festivities, can also make a big difference.”
Inclusive celebrations
A social event has traditionally been a popular way of celebrating festivities, but with remote and hybrid working becoming more commonplace, the logistics and take-up has changed. Pets, children, dependent relatives, travel costs and mental health challenges can be barriers, which employers should be aware of. Additionally, being sympathetic and understanding of the UK’s multicultural and diverse workforce is key.
James Malia, global chief growth officer and European president at Prezzee, says: “Putting aside a significant budget for alcohol won’t be welcomed by everyone, given that not every employee drinks. Whatever the event looks like, it needs to be inclusive, cater to all employees and prioritise social interaction. Getting to know one another on a more personal level helps with engagement and allows staff to understand who others are outside of conversations on email, Slack or Zoom.”
Organisations should consider alternative festive activities or celebrations that cater to different cultures and religions. One approach is to focus on a winter theme rather than Christmas or specific religious ones to make sure all employees feel included.
“Providing a variety of songs from an array of cultural backgrounds, or allowing employees to request music that is meaningful to them, will have an inclusive effect,” says Norman. “The entertainment provided should be accessible to all. Employers should avoid any activities that involve culture specific knowledge or references which could restrict participation ability.”
Employers should also consider that not everyone will be inclined to take time off over Christmas and Boxing Day and some may prefer to use annual leave during their own cultural holidays. Ensuring choice is available is key to employees’ beliefs being recognised.
Giving back to the community can be an inclusive way to mark the festivities, adds Ronald. “Organising a charity day or volunteer activities to celebrate helps to demonstrate a commitment to social responsibility and encourages a sense of togetherness.”
Gifts and rewards
While December is often a time to show appreciation for employees, it is worth bearing in mind that it is also a time of year that can put some under financial pressure. Linking gifts to cost-of-living increases, such as buying families a takeaway, a meal out, or contributing towards everyday costs, can demonstrate support and enhance employee satisfaction, loyalty and productivity.
“Offering multi-choice gift cards, where the receiver gets to choose where to redeem it, can be a great way to please everyone and give a choice in how they spend it,” says Ronald. “It is important to ensure that while there is something for everyone, gifts make employees feel valued and rewarded for their efforts over the past year. Open communication is key to delivering an effective Christmas gifting scheme that keeps everyone motivated all year round.”
Festive gifts that are restrictive towards a specific lifestyle or ability, such as alcohol tasting or a sky diving experience, will exclude some employees, so anything offered should be enjoyable and rewarding for all, adds Norman.
“Appropriate gifts could include gift cards, plants or stationery,” she says. “Additionally, any food must accommodate potential allergies and restrictions. By offering food from different cultures, many traditions can be celebrated, as well as allowing employees to learn about and enjoy new cuisines.”
In order to take an inclusive approach to Christmas festivities, employers need to ensure they listen to employees’ needs and consider everyone, so no one is left feeling excluded.
