Workplace Challenges
'Tis the season to celebrate . . .In a time when the traditional "Merry Christmas" greeting has been widely replaced by a generic, "Happy Holidays," many wonder if it's still appropriate to celebrate Christmas in the workplace. After all, no one wants to exclude staff and potentially offend customers of different faiths and cultures. LINDA WHITE |
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 [ 2005-12-07 ] |
"A company needs to talk about it as a whole," says Karen Mallett of The Etiquette Ladies in Winnipeg. "Are you making it a festive occasion at the end of the year? Are employees getting a turkey? Are they getting a bonus? Is it a fun celebration? If you exchange presents, do they have to be Christmas presents? Ask people what they'd like to do. No one should apologize for what they believe."
Some companies are choosing to host a potluck inviting employees to share traditional dishes, clothing and ornaments. Others hold optional functions outside of work and after office hours. Still others are creating a season of celebration by recognizing holidays that reflect the diversity of their employees.
"If yours is a Canadian company that has a history of celebrating Christmas, don't stop doing that," says Brenda Jean Lycett of Lycett 4Change in Toronto. "It might be a good idea to do a survey, but you need to be pretty positive you can take action on the results."
Embracing a wider variety of religious and cultural celebrations makes everyone feel valued, while increasing our understanding of other faiths and cultures. "If you put up a Christmas tree, it's good to have a menorah at Hannukah and to recognize Dwali and Chinese New Year. It's not only a learning experience among employees and customers, but it's fun," says Lycett, a member of Career Professionals of Canada.
Creating an inclusive workplace sends an important message to customers and potential customers. "Remember, your employees -- your internal customers -- are your best form of advertising," Lycett says. "If they tell family and friends that they feel valued and their beliefs and practices are appreciated, people will want to buy or do business with you."
Consider investing in a multicultural calendar that provides dates of holidays and festivals, along with explanations on each.
The calendar can prevent potential conflicts around scheduling events and dietary considerations. Invite employees to take a few minutes at the beginning of a meeting to share ways they celebrate and honour their cultural traditions.
"LUNCH AND LEARNS"
Acknowledge holidays and festivals on your company website and through e-mail and bulletin boards. "You can host 'lunch and learns' with presenters from different backgrounds to share their beliefs and practices," Lycett says. "Tap into the expertise of your employees. It enhances the feeling of team and being valued."
Learning about other cultures breaks down barriers, believes Mallett of The Etiquette Ladies. "You may feel more comfortable asking questions: 'I see you have that on your desk. What does it mean?' If someone is annoyed by your question, don't get your back up. Maybe they were just surprised by your interest."
All companies -- even small ones -- should have a policy around accommodation that includes things like allowing employees to take a holiday to observe their honoured days. "Make sure your manager understands it so it's dealt fairly in its application," Lycett says.
Given our multicultural society, recognizing more than one faith or culture likely isn't much of a stretch for many. "There are probably already people in your workplace celebrating more than one holiday -- perhaps with their spouse or a best friend. Think about the variety of weddings you've attended," Lycett says.
"Sometimes those people who don't celebrate Christmas are more upset than those who do if you decide not to celebrate it. Perhaps they're not the ones saying, 'Don't celebrate Christmas.' They want to be part of it. They see it as a festival."
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EXPLORING MULTICULTURALISM
A variety of multicultural calendars that celebrate diversity are available, including a calendar available through www.multicultural calendar.com. It provides explanations for each of the world's 12 major religions and the cultural festivals of most ethnic groups in North America. You'll find dates for Aboriginal Peoples, Bahai, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Islam, Jain, Jewish, Shinto, Sikh, Wicca and Zoroastrian.
Another helpful website: www3.kumc.edu/diversity/ethnic_relig/ethnic.html.
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