Making the Festive Season Diverse and Inclusive for Everyone

Originally published 8th November 2021, edited on 13th November 2024.

Christmas is known as the “most wonderful time of the year,” but not everyone sees it that way. For some, it’s a tricky time or simply isn’t a holiday they celebrate. And while a lot of the festivities these days are about exchanging gifts, rocking festive jumpers, and gathering for big meals, Christmas is still rooted in tradition and beliefs that not everyone shares.

With the end of the year being a natural moment to reflect on what we’ve achieved together and look forward to what’s ahead, it’s also a great opportunity for companies to show appreciation for the diverse backgrounds and perspectives that make up their teams. So how can organisations make this season feel meaningful, inclusive, and fun for everyone?

Creating an inclusive workplace where diversity is embraced benefits everyone. From sparking fresh ideas and fostering a welcoming environment to building connections with a wider audience, diverse workplaces tend to have higher morale and stronger employee loyalty. So how can organisations embrace this reflective and celebratory time while respecting the diversity of all employees’ beliefs, traditions, and lifestyles?

6 ways to create inclusive workplace culture this festive season

Incorporate diverse traditions

December holds meaning for various faiths and cultures. If your team is planning a celebration, involve employees in sharing their winter traditions. Introducing different foods, decorations, and games is a wonderful way to celebrate together.

Offer alcohol-free options

With a growing number of people embracing a sober lifestyle, make sure that your activities and refreshments aren’t centred around alcohol. Consider including alcohol-free options that allow everyone to participate comfortably. Non-alcoholic mocktails, festive punch, or mulled apple cider are wonderful additions, and activities like games, crafts, or even a friendly talent show help everyone feel included, regardless of their drink preference.

Keep holiday parties optional

Even with a more inclusive party, not everyone will want to join in for personal, cultural, or emotional reasons. Make it clear that attendance is optional, and check in with employees to offer support if they find this time of year difficult.

Form a diverse planning committee

Ask your team to organise the event! A diverse planning committee will bring a variety of perspectives, making it easier to create a welcoming celebration for everyone.

Focus on people, not just the occasion

A fantastic way to embrace the spirit of the season without focusing solely on Christmas is to celebrate people and company successes. Use the end of the year as a chance to recognise achievements, share company milestones, and look forward to the goals ahead.

Gather feedback and grow

There’s always room for improvement! In January, gather feedback from your team about how the event went. Using tools like Trickle, you can collect honest feedback anonymously, helping you plan an even better event next year.

Consider asking questions such as:

• Are there any holidays you’d like to see celebrated in addition to Christmas?
• How can we make end-of-year celebrations more inclusive?
• What changes would you suggest for next year’s festivities?

Celebrate your team all year with Trickle

Trickle makes it easy for companies to build a culture of celebration, inclusion, and positivity year-round. Whether it’s a small win, a major team achievement, or company-wide success, Trickle allows employees to share feedback (even anonymously) that leads to actionable results for a better workplace every day of the year.