Workplace diversity brings changes to the traditional work christmas party

The increase in both immigration and in the number of African American, Hispanic, Asian American and other diversity groups in the workforce has created a more religiously and ethnically diverse workforce. As this trend continues, US workplaces will become more religiously diverse and companies must make an effort to accommodate and welcome employees of different faiths and cultures. A growing percentage of the workforce is non-Christian, which has caused many companies to adopt proactive approaches to emphasize the importance of religious diversity in the workplace, through what was once known as the company Christmas party.

Many companies have renamed the Christmas party and have begun calling it the “seasonal” or “holiday” party, as companies have become more sensitive to the religious beliefs and cultures of all their employees. In planning the seasonal party, companies try to find a date that will not conflict with important dates in other cultures and religions, instead of choosing a date that is close to Christmas. Planning committees ensure that the religious diversity is recognized by keeping the party decorations neutral or by asking employees what types of holiday decorations they prefer. Some companies even send out notices to their employees and invite them to bring decorative items and food that represents their culture and religion to give their employees the chance to experience the diversity of religions and cultures that exist in their workplace.

The type of food at the seasonal party has also changed as a result of the growing diversity of religions in the workplace and the dietary restrictions that each religion imposes on its followers. Muslim and Jewish employees cannot eat pork, Hindu employees cannot eat beef, Seventh-Day Adventists do not consume caffeine, etc., so companies have become extra careful in choosing the type of meals and refreshments they serve at the party. Cultural diversity is heavily influenced by religion, so companies have also become careful in the way they present the details of the holiday party to their employees. In some cultures and religions, inviting families to the party means that the entire extended family is invited, and some religions prohibit gift giving and parties altogether.

As racial and ethnic diversity increases in the workplace, companies should continue to be mindful of the religious diversity that accompanies it. In the coming years, the US workforce will have a much larger percentage of minorities and individuals from other diversity groups who will bring with them a vast diversity of religious beliefs and cultural traditions. If a company truly embraces diversity, it will make a sincere effort to accommodate the traditions and beliefs of all its employees, even if it means reworking the Christmas party.