If you truly want to celebrate your colleagues’ hard work, it’s crucial to create a safe and welcoming space that is inclusive and enables everyoneto celebrate, should they so wish.

In our multi-cultural society and workplaces, at this time of year, we might first think of those who do celebrate Christmas being respectful of those who don’t.  However, the reverse applies just as much.  Those who don’t celebrate Christmas should respect all those who do wish to enjoy the season.

I have deliberately chosen the phrase ‘enjoy the season’. We need to be aware of the pendulum swinging too far the way of ‘season celebrations’ and ensure those who wish to celebrate the Christian festival and recognise its religious values, can do so. It is also important to consider specific needs and adjustments that may be meaningful for Christian employees who may not welcome all the commercialism and boozy party celebrations that have become the norm.

It isn’t straightforward to create a workplace environment where Christian employees feel included, respected and supported in their religious beliefs and practices, whilst fostering a culture of inclusion for everybody.

And whilst considering the approaches of Christians, people of other faiths and those for whom it is a secular season of celebrations, some colleagues may find Christmas time is far from a happy occasion.  Colleagues who have experienced personal loss over this period will find this a poignant and sad time of the year.  There will be some who are not united with their family, for whatever reason, at a time when ‘family’ is very much at the forefront of many Christmas messages.  People struggling with their mental health often find this a very challenging period when surrounded by ‘compulsory fun’. Others can feel very lonely.    

At a time of year when we instinctively think of happiness and ‘goodwill to all’, business leaders need to think beyond group celebrations by acknowledging that a ‘one size fits all’ approach will not work.  It is very hard to capture everyone but there are steps you can take to try to be as inclusive as possible by realising the importance of respect, empathy and psychological safety.

Things to Consider:

1. Inclusive Celebrations

Recognise the religious significance of Christmas to some, whilst also allowing others to feel included by having themes for the season which focus upon kindness, empathy and living together.  Such themes embrace everyone, are common to all religions and will allow everyone to feel part of a celebration.

• Safety in the Workplace

The workplace Christmas Party should be an event which looks to have everyone celebrating together, should they so wish.  And whilst they are meant to be good fun, they should not be events from which some colleagues feel excluded.  Neither must they ever be places where colleagues feel harassed or victims of prejudice due to other people’s unacceptable words or actions. In order to address these points you must consider the following:

• Alcohol is not welcomed by all, for a variety of reasons.  Some of your colleagues will feel very uncomfortable and you must ensure that there are plenty of alcohol-free drinks available.
• Do not have an open bar which continues for a long time.  Paying for colleagues to have a few drinks is one thing but to openly facilitate over-indulgence which can, all too often, lead to regrettable and, potentially, disciplinary action makes you culpable.  It may sound like you are ‘being a killjoy’ but you are actually doing the responsible thing.  You cannot, and neither should you have to, police everyone but you can remove the cause for potential problems.
• Have senior leaders (not just HR teams) communicate clear guidelines for festive parties, which has zero tolerance for harassment or discrimination.  It should also include points of contact for anyone wishing to report any inappropriate behaviour.

It is a very sensible and responsible thing to have the company names and numbers of reputable taxi firms which can be called for anyone who needs help getting home safely.

• Helping Colleagues

There are ways in which you can reduce negative feelings which will afflict some of your colleagues at this time of the year.

• Be alert to signs in people’s behaviour or body language that indicate they may feel uncomfortable. Encourage colleagues to look out for their peers and friends.
• Consider training line managers to recognise warning signs in people. 
• Ensure HR teams are confident in how to support people in a caring and understanding manner.
• Hold ‘drop ins’ prior to and after the seasonal celebration period. Keep these low key and confidential, to allow those colleagues who aren’t feeling the happiness which seems to be surrounding them to talk to someone.

Festive season flexibility

For those colleagues who really do find the festive period difficult to manage, consider whether you are able to offer more flexible hours/hybrid working to allow them to work at quieter times.

Rotas for over the Christmas/New Year period can be discussed and, wherever possible, done collaboratively.  This allows those who may wish for more time to take it and others, who would rather not work during this period, to not be on a rota.

• A Season of Peace and Rest

Colleagues may feel under pressure as the year draws to a close, feeling they need to do a month’s work in three weeks.

Lead by example and ensure senior managers explain reasonable expectations and give people the downtime they need.

Be clear on the work hours over Christmas and disallow out-of-hours emails or requests which will put unreasonable demands on colleagues.  Ensure this message is understood and acted upon by all. This should be a time for calm and community, friends and family.

Organisations can play a big part in helping their colleagues enjoy the festive season, whatever their beliefs.  By recognising the many and diverse positions and experiences of people and accommodating these by being inclusive, organisations will go a long way to bringing a happier Christmas to their workforce.

Given the right level of rest and rejoicing, your colleagues will return refreshed in the New Year.