Creating Inclusivity this Holiday Season

The holidays can be a joyful time of year—but they can also be complicated. In every workplace, people bring unique traditions, beliefs, memories, and preferences. Some celebrate with enthusiasm, some mark different holidays, and some choose not to celebrate at all. 

An inclusive workplace culture starts with intention. When leaders create space for every employee to participate in ways that feel comfortable and authentic, the season becomes more about connection, not pressure. 

Here’s how to cultivate an inclusive, people-first holiday experience across your organization. 

1. Respect Privacy and Personal Choices 

Not everyone celebrates the holidays in the same way, or at all. Employees may have personal, cultural, financial, or emotional reasons for opting out, and those choices should always be respected. Creating psychological safety during the holidays means: 

• Avoiding assumptions about what people celebrate. 

• Making participation optional and guilt-free. 

• Keeping conversations welcoming without prying into personal traditions or beliefs. 

When employees feel free to engage in the way that works for them, they’re more likely to feel valued and included. 

 2. Promote Giving Back as a Shared Experience 

Community-focused activities are a great way to bring people together without tying participation to specific traditions. The season naturally lends itself to generosity, and giving back can help teams bond with purpose. 

Consider offering: 

• A volunteer day where employees can choose from several causes. 

• A food or coat drive that supports local organizations. 

• A company donation match to encourage collective impact. 

These types of initiatives create connection in a way that is accessible, meaningful, and inclusive to all. 

3. Decorate with Intention, Not Assumptions 

Holiday décor can set the mood—but it can also unintentionally exclude. A simple shift toward winter-themed decorations rather than holiday-specific symbols creates a welcoming atmosphere for everyone. 

Think: 
✔ Snowflakes 
✔ Greenery 
✔ Cozy lights 
✔ Winter landscapes 

By focusing on the season as a whole, you create an inviting environment without centering on one tradition. 

4. Offer Opt-In/Opt-Out Options for Every Event 

Celebrating should feel like a choice rather than a requirement. 

Whether it’s a team lunch, a cookie exchange, or a virtual gathering, be explicit that participation is optional. “Guilt-free opt-outs” reduce pressure and ensure employees don’t feel forced into activities that conflict with their beliefs, schedules, or comfort levels. 

Better yet, offer a variety of activities so employees can choose what feels right for them. 

 5. Use an Inclusive Holiday Calendar 

An inclusive calendar makes space for the full spectrum of celebrations across the team. This may include Diwali, Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Lunar New Year, Winter Solstice, and many others. 

To put this into practice: 

• Share a multicultural holiday calendar with your team. 

• Allow employees to add holidays important to them. 

• Offer floating holidays so every employee, regardless of background, can take time off for what matters most. 

This small shift sends a powerful message: your culture recognizes each person as an individual, not just an employee. 

6. Create Space for Storytelling and Connection 

The holidays offer a natural opportunity to learn about one another. Encourage employees to share what this time of year means to them, if they choose to. 

Team prompts might include: 

• “What’s one tradition or memory that’s special to you this season?” 

• “How do you recharge or reflect at the end of the year?” 

• “What does rest look like for you during the winter months?” 

These conversations deepen understanding and strengthen team culture without putting anyone on the spot. 

It’s all about building a workplace where everyone feels seen. 

When organizations make space for all traditions, all identities, and all choices, they create an environment where people feel respected, supported, and connected. 

This season, consider how your policies, traditions, and workplace culture reflect the diversity of your team. With small, intentional actions, you can create a space where everyone feels comfortable to celebrate—or not—in their own way.