Last year, we brought you an article explaining why we prefer “Happy Holidays” to “Merry Christmas”. Before that, we also gave you three ideas on how to make the office holiday season as much like your employees as possible. This year, we’re tackling the practical organization of your festivities!
The holiday season is the perfect opportunity to strengthen ties and show our appreciation to our teams, but it’s also important to ensure that everyone feels welcome and at ease. So here are 8 ideas for organizing inclusive holiday activities that are sensitive to everyone’s diverse needs and preferences.
🍲 Vary your food options
Why is this? Not everyone eats the same thing. Between cultural preferences (e.g. halal, kosher), allergies, vegetarian, vegan diets, and other dietary restrictions, having a varied menu is essential to avoid excluding anyone.
Tip: Survey your employees to find out the different needs in your organization in this respect. Then propose a buffet that includes options to cater for these diets. Did you know that a vegan menu accommodates a variety of diets, such as vegetarian, vegan, halal and kosher (subject to verification for specific certifications), while eliminating the main animal allergens, such as dairy and eggs? It could be worth revisiting your menu! Finally, small labels indicating ingredients and possible allergens can also be useful and appreciated!
🍸 Offering alcohol-free alternatives
Why is this? Not everyone drinks alcohol, whether for pregnancy, religious or health reasons, or simply out of personal choice. By offering non-alcoholic festive beverages, we also avoid making alcohol central to the event, with no implicit pressure to consume alcohol, while helping to prevent inappropriate behavior or outbursts often associated with excessive alcohol consumption. Reducing this risk factor also limits situations that could lead to harassment or discomfort, creating a safer, more pleasant environment for all participants.
Tip: Offer non-alcoholic cocktails that are as festive as alcoholic beverages, such as colorful mocktails. An original juice or soda bar can be an excellent alternative, allowing everyone to participate without feeling left out.
Incidentally, to be all the more inclusive, we suggest you avoid asking people who don’t drink the reason behind their choice. While this is well-intentioned, some people are asked very often and may not want to expose their personal reasons. It also gives the impression that it’s abnormal not to drink alcohol, and can even provoke a feeling of being judged. There are so many other possible topics for conversation!
🌟 Attention to sensory stimuli
Why is this? Parties can be rich in stimulation: twinkling lights, loud music, large gatherings and a variety of smells. For neurodivergent people or those with sensory processing disorders, this sensory overload can cause stress and discomfort. Providing a quiet space, soft music, or limiting the intensity of lights, makes the event more welcoming and inclusive for all, allowing participants to enjoy the event at their own pace without feeling overwhelmed.
Tip: Pay attention to the volume of music, or set up a “zen” space where noise is muted and lights are softer. This space can also feature cushions and comfortable chairs, allowing each person to take a break if they feel the need, and enjoy the event at their own pace without feeling overwhelmed.
🎲 Offer diversified activities
Why is this? Parties that focus solely on festive or competitive activities may exclude some people who prefer calmer or more participative interactions. A wide variety of activities ensures that everyone can find something they like, whatever their personality style (e.g. introvert or extrovert).
Tip: In addition to classic activities such as board games or karaoke, include quiet activities such as a painting, coloring or cookie-decorating station, for those who prefer quieter moments.
🎁 Inclusive gift-giving
Why is this? Universal gifts, such as gift cards, charitable donations of the recipient’s choice, or experiences rather than material goods, allow everyone to feel their tastes and values are respected. What’s more, some people prefer eco-responsible or less consumer-oriented options. This type of gift reinforces inclusivity by avoiding overly specific choices that might not suit everyone.
Tip: If a gift exchange is organized, opt for a system of gift cards or small, useful, neutral objects. This avoids giving a gift that might be unsuitable or uninteresting to some. If you don’t already do so, consider setting a maximum amount for exchanges, which will enable as many people as possible to take part without it being a financial burden.
👪 Thinking about parents and caregivers
Why is this? Many people juggle work and family responsibilities, especially parents and caregivers. Between daycare, school, medical appointments or home care, offering options that are sensitive to these realities allows for more serene participation.
Tip: If the nature of the event permits, allow parents to bring their children along, and set up a space where parents can supervise their children while participating in the event. Similarly, consider flexible time slots that don’t penalize staff members with out-of-hours responsibilities for caregivers and parents alike. If your only holiday event takes place outside the office in the evening, you could offer a small activity during working hours for those who don’t have the opportunity to join in outside of work.
💞 Extending the +1 invitation
Why is this? Allowing your employees to invite a +1 of their choice, rather than limiting this invitation to spouses only, recognizes the diversity of everyone’s relationships and social networks. This includes single people, those who prefer to be accompanied by a friend, family member or other significant person. This flexibility reflects a broad understanding of your employees’ social lives, and helps reduce feelings of exclusion among those who are not in a relationship or who wish to keep their love life confidential.
Tip: Formulate the invitation by saying, for example: “You are invited to come accompanied by a +1 of your choice. This allows participants to freely decide who will accompany them. You can also specify that children are welcome if this corresponds to the nature of the event. This detail can make a big difference in creating a more open atmosphere adapted to the reality of your employees.
🚫 Promoting respectful, consensual behavior
Why is this? Parties can sometimes lead to uncomfortable situations if the boundaries aren’t clear, and the organization has a legal obligation to prevent inappropriate behavior at all times, especially during social events (and even if these don’t take place in the usual workplace). Beyond that, setting expectations about respectful behavior ensures a safe and pleasant environment for all.
Tip: Before the event, send out a reminder of the values of respect and the rules of behavior expected at social events, including a clear explanation of consent and personal limits. Make sure every participant knows who to turn to in case of discomfort. If it’s a large-scale event, you can even collaborate with a prevention organization to have trained interveners on site.
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Need to go even further? Our firm can help you set up a code of conduct or civility adapted to your organizational values and needs. We also offer interactive training on respect and teamwork, to help you build an organizational culture where inclusion and collaboration go hand in hand. Together, let’s create a great place to work, during the holidays and all year round!
