Inclusive festive planning: Making holiday celebrations work for everyone
The festive season is a time many look forward to, but it’s important to remember that not everyone celebrates Christmas in the same way, or at all. In increasingly diverse workplaces, inclusive festive planning isn’t just thoughtful, it’s essential.
We encourage employers to use the holiday season as an opportunity to foster belonging, respect, and psychological safety. By making celebrations inclusive of different cultures, beliefs, and personal circumstances, you can create a workplace where everyone feels valued.
Why inclusion matters during the holidays
Employees may:
- Follow different religious or cultural traditions
- Feel excluded due to personal loss or grief
- Experience financial stress or social anxiety
- Prefer not to participate in festive activities for personal reasons
Inclusive planning ensures that everyone has the choice to engage in ways that feel comfortable and meaningful.
The impact on mental wellbeing
Inclusive festive planning is important for supporting employees’ mental health. When employees feel seen and respected, they’re more likely to:
- Engage positively with their teams
- Feel psychologically safe at work
- Experience lower stress levels
- Trust that their wellbeing matters
Conversely, exclusion or pressure to participate can lead to discomfort, resentment, or withdrawal.
Tips for inclusive festive planning
Here are practical ways to make your workplace celebrations more inclusive:
Ask, don’t assume
Before planning events, ask your team what they’d enjoy. Use anonymous surveys or open discussions to gather input on preferences, dietary needs, and cultural considerations.
Offer opt-in activities
Make participation voluntary. Avoid mandatory attendance or activities that require personal sharing, dressing up, or spending money.
Celebrate diversity
Consider recognising a range of holidays and traditions throughout the year – not just Christmas. This could include Diwali, Hanukkah, Eid, Lunar New Year, or others relevant to your team.
Create low-pressure options
Not everyone enjoys loud parties or group games. Consider offering quieter alternatives like a shared lunch, wellbeing workshop, or charity initiative.
Support financial inclusivity
Gift exchanges or events that require spending can cause anxiety or stress for some team members. It would be best to gauge whether everyone in the team is happy to partake in this before going ahead. You could ask people to anonymously submit a budget they’d be happy to contribute, so you can make it accessible for all.
Acknowledge emotional complexity
Recognise that the holidays can be difficult for some. Share mental health resources and encourage open conversations about wellbeing.
Leading with empathy
Inclusive festive planning starts with empathy. It’s about recognising that joy looks different for everyone and that true celebration includes choice, respect, and care.
When employers lead with empathy, they create environments where people feel safe to be themselves. That’s the foundation of a mentally healthy workplace.
This festive season, let inclusion and care be more than a one-off gesture. Visit our services to learn more about how CiC Wellbeing can help you build a wellbeing strategy to support your employees and business to thrive.
