Shayla S. Dube, MSW, RCSW’s Post

In the spirit of workplace cultural and #psychologicalhealthandsafety, it’s important to be mindful of how holiday traditions like Secret Santa, monetary contributions, and office Christmas decoration competitions can impact all employees. For diasporan staff, who often support families both here and back home, even a small request—like contributing $10—can add stress. They may feel compelled to contribute out of conformity or fear of being misunderstood or shamed. Before organizing office holiday activities, such as decoration competitions, consider those who may not celebrate Christmas or those for whom such traditions could be culturally unsafe. To ensure inclusivity and fairness, focus on connection-building activities that don’t require financial contributions or impose specific cultural norms. While celebrating diversity is important, it’s equally crucial to center inclusion in everything we do and avoid imposing dominant traditions and values on everyone. How do you cultivate equity, inclusion and belonging in your workplace? Do you say “Merry Christmas” to everyone, making it awkward for those who don’t celebrate, or do you say “Happy Holidays” and respect the diversity of your colleagues? Let’s celebrate the holidays in ways that foster #culturalpluralism joy, unity, and #culturalsafety, without placing undue financial or emotional burdens on anyone.

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