By: Karen Fishel

Besides scheduling time off for our employees while maintaining coverage during the holidays, planning an office celebration for a diverse workforce may present challenges and opportunities.

Throughout the County, there are employees who celebrate their ethnicities, religions and traditions in a variety of ways. The holidays are a great time to learn of these different celebrations. We should be respectful of the differences in our coworkers, yet also be intentionally inclusive in our gatherings. Our sensitivity should also extend to those who may be experiencing personal issues, such as losses of loved ones or depression.

So, how do departments manage to celebrate the season while at the same time not excluding anyone? How do we maintain sensitivity to all our differences? Below are a few suggestions to help you in this undertaking to plan a thoughtful, inclusive holiday gathering:

• Use this celebration as a time to thank your employees rather than focusing on a particular holiday celebration.
• Spend some personal time learning how others celebrate this time of year. Opening your mind to differences is a first step toward embracing diversity.
• If you find you have those in your department who do not celebrate a holiday this time of year, offer an “end of the year” celebration instead.
• Seek input from employees about what type of celebration they prefer. Create a planning committee consisting of employees who represent different backgrounds and cultures. Encourage all ideas of the committee members so everyone feels their ideas are heard and respected.
• Parties and office decorations should be non-denominational. Rather than nativity scenes, perhaps a winter theme with snowflakes and snowmen would be more widely received.
• Consider a New Year’s party rather than a Holiday party. You could incorporate your department’s strategic initiatives into the celebration.
• Gatherings should not be mandatory. Encourage employees to attend, but do not pressure anyone to attend.
• In lieu of or in addition to a departmental social, consider performing a community service project. Projects such as Angel Tree, Salvation Army bell ringers, or serving at a local soup kitchen or food pantry is something we can all support while at the same time build our teams.

The most important thing to remember is to use this time to celebrate, have fun and enjoy one another. Spend some time reflecting on favorite memories, making new memories, and simply sharing time together. Spending time with others is a precious gift.

My wish to each of you is a season filled with happiness and peace!