Interactive entertainment organisation King ensures it is inclusive in the way it celebrates Christmas by recognising that not everyone may celebrate the holiday in the same way, or at all.
Part of Activision Blizzard, which forms part of the wider Microsoft family, it has 2,000 employees across the UK, the US, Sweden, Spain and Germany.
With a diverse workforce, King takes a thoughtful approach to inclusivity, focusing on creating a festive atmosphere that is welcoming and respectful not only during Christmas but during religious celebrations throughout the year, including everyone from different cultural backgrounds. This includes celebrating a variety of calendar events, ensuring language and imagery are inclusive, and being mindful of different traditions.
In order to create content for a diverse audience, the organisation needs employees with different skills, experiences and ways of thinking to innovate and be successful, says Vikki Leach, senior director of diversity, equity and inclusion at King.
“At King, we encourage employees, which we call Kingsters, to celebrate what makes us different rather than what makes us the same,” she explains. “We offer a range of inclusive festivities and options for staff, including holiday donations that cater to diverse tastes. This involves each employee donating to a charity of their choice during the winter season.”
The organisation additionally provides celebratory meals with inclusive menus, and events that allow everyone to join in, regardless of their personal beliefs. Rather than holding a traditional party themed around Christmas, it instead does so around a winter theme, and supports employees to come together and connect. It also encourages staff to have open discussions on how they would like to celebrate, so everyone feels involved and respected.
As ‘fun and friendly’ are at the core of its values, King’s goal is to foster a workplace where all of its workers can celebrate and have fun with their own traditions and feel a sense of belonging. It measures this through an inclusion index to track employees’ experiences of inclusion, because it recognises the importance of ensuring everyone feels valued and included.
Leach believes it is important to be inclusive at Christmas because it is a period that can inadvertently exclude those who do not celebrate it in the same way or at all.
“By being inclusive, we show our commitment to diversity and respect for all cultures and beliefs. This approach not only enriches our workplace, but also strengthens our team by promoting curiosity, understanding and unity,” she adds.
