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Posted September 23, 2008
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Morning Column
How Businesses can Offer Holiday Happiness
by Carrie Brown-Wolf
Christmas without a manger. Hanukkah without candles. Ramadan without a
feast. Is this what our culture has produced?
Today's politically correct climate calls communities, schools and
businesses to question their holiday traditions. School choirs no longer
sing "Silent Night" without threat of lawsuits. Community menorahs are
snuffed and mangers vandalized. What should society do? Ban it all? How does
a business host a holiday party without threat of discontent?
Don't toss the tree or kick the Kwanzaa candles just yet. Communities and
businesses do have options. In general, people look forward to the new year,
new beginnings and new celebrations. Employees benefit from a healthy
holiday party or festive environment to celebrate the season.
By recognizing and appreciating diverse traditions, a business culture can
thrive. An inclusive approach to the holidays sets an example of respect,
tolerance and positive communication. These attitudes and values transfer
into the business realm and increase productivity. Instead of selecting a
secular route, embrace the holidays and a multitude of traditions that
reflect your employees and society at large.
Follow these tips to create an all-encompassing holiday tone:
1. Invite individuals to present their values. This must be done in a
positive, tolerant environment, but will allow people to feel as if they
matter. They do. Create a visual space or a board for people to post quotes
that reflect their cultural background in a constructive attitude. Hanging
an oversized calendar is a great idea for employees to mark holidays and
festivals. If you have a web designer, add it to your Web site and
circulate e-mails about cultural tolerance.
2. Survey employees to discover their cultural heritage in a positive,
informative manner. This is a terrific time of year to engage people in
personal identity. Make it important. Let employees know that your business
cares about their personal life and does not want to offend or exclude
anyone. Raising the issue of cultural and religious diversity will begin to
eliminate fears and misconceptions. Talking about the issues and discovering
specific traditions begins an initial step to diversity education. If a
business sets an accepting tone, employees will feel the freedom to express
themselves. However, allow people to opt out of personal revelation if it is
uncomfortable or sensitive for them. Surveys can vary and be done either
electronically, verbally, in written form, or in a group setting. Be
careful not to single out people and make sure everyone is included. Sample
questions might be: How do your and/or your family celebrate your heritage?
Would you be willing to share this information with others in the company so
everyone learn about new and different cultural traditions?
3. Decorate and design a party without offending others. Holiday parties can
offer a festive flair without offense. Almost all cultures cherish and
celebrate light during the dark winter months. String white lights
throughout the office and light candles during formal parties. Bring nature
inside and use pinecones, frosty firs and blue ice to celebrate the winter
months. Ice sculptures offer a unique center piece and spark conversation.
Include employees in the design by asking what they would like to see at an
office party.
4. Tolerate no jokes or offensive behaviors. Be clear that your company
supports all differences and allows no dubious discussions or negative
stereotypes. Off-handed comments can hurt and create a breading ground for
prejudicial behaviors. Offer a training program or workshop to raise
awareness and let employees know what the company expects and tolerates.
Workshops can be specific to gender issues, race and ethnicity, religious
tolerance, or broadly cultural. Bringing in an expert can set a serious tone
while educating employees in a safe and respectful manner. If this is beyond
the company's budget, offering diversity resources on the Internet will help
guide people to find answers and to understand each other.
5. Celebrate all traditions. Offer an environment for employees to share
aspects of their culture. Play ethnic music and offer a variety of foods at
holiday gatherings. Through the survey, discover what foods are not
tolerated by certain cultures represented and don't offer them. Post holiday
greetings in multiple languages. Don't back away from wishing someone a
Merry Christmas, but also offer Happy Hanukkah, or Happy New Year. Say
"hello" in Arabic for a change (Marhaba) or "peace be with you" in Hindi
(Namaste). Be clear the intent is not to speak multiple languages, but
rather to recognize and respect cultural heritage. Create a pluralistic
environment to include and celebrate everyone.
It is essential to understand both differences and commonalities between
people and their beliefs when working together. Interdependence in our
society needs to be addressed, but not feared. We live in a global society
and businesses should reflect and encourage personal traditions.
Communication, productivity and a peaceful atmosphere will abound.
A healthy business culture celebrates and recognizes all employees. A
diverse environment produces better results and mirrors our multicultural
society. Unity and respect underline successful goals. Accepting and
learning about each other's beliefs provides the freedom to celebrate fully.
Celebrate unity!
About the Author:
Carrie Brown-Wolf is a national speaker and the author of, "Soul Sunday: A
Family's Guide to Exploring Faith and Teaching Tolerance," winner of five
national awards. After earning a master's degree at Columbia University's
Teachers College, she launched a successful multicultural education company
and consults with business and community organizations. Through her
seminars, S2 (S-squared), Carrie teaches business leaders to understand
cultural differences and to develop creative communication. For more
information visit www.carriebrownwolf.com or www.SoulSunday.org. |
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