8 Tips for More Inclusive Holiday Events

Planning the company Christmas party has grown far more nuanced as attendee profiles have shifted. Today, planners need to design an event that appeals to multiple religions and generations, and accommodates various special requirements.

How can you create a celebration that takes all those into account? Following are 8 suggestions.

1. Start By Asking Your Employees What They Want

Send out a quick survey to your employees. Do they want a potluck? A gift exchange? Would they rather do a party in the office, or do they have a venue suggestion? What day of the week and time of day are best? Should partners be invited? Families?

If you have employee research groups (ERGs), include them in the pre-planning so that you take into account the needs of their members.

2. Re-think Alcohol

Planners need to be aware that more than half of U.S. adults (54%) no longer drink alcohol, according to a recent Gallup survey. That is the lowest percentage in Gallup’s 90 years of reporting.

As a result, you’re likely to find that the majority of your attendees will be looking for nonalcoholic beverages. Speak to your venue or caterer to create a selection of interesting mocktails, flavored seltzers, and nonalcoholic liquors and beers.

Consider adding a dedicated "sober space” at the event and offering non-drinking social activities.

3. Celebrate All Holidays, Not Just Christmas

Put together a “Name That Holiday” quiz that allows everyone to show off their own traditions and educate the entire team. Among these are Bodhi Day, a Buddhist holiday celebrated on December 8; Hanukkah (December 14-22), the eight-day Jewish holiday; and Kwanzaa (December 26 - January 1), a one-week holiday celebrating African American culture.

4. Consider Attendee Mobility

The only way to know for sure about attendees’ mobility needs is to ask. Some people have injuries or invisible disabilities that keep them from climbing stairs, for example. Make sure the space you choose is easily accessible, and provide seating close to the entrance for individuals with walkers, casts, or in wheelchairs.

5. Collaborate With Your Chef on Dietary Accommodations

Attendees often have dietary needs and restrictions, and food allergies are becoming increasingly common, so ask about dietary needs in advance. Vegan, gluten-free, paleo, and nut allergies are just some of the many potential dietary requirements. Be aware of the difference between gluten-free and Celiac, and understand the questions you should ask your chef to make sure that the kitchen staff is following safe practices.

6. Include Fun-For-All Activities

Rather than have attendees sitting at the same table for the entire party, include some fun activities that allow them to mingle.

DIY bars are extremely popular, where attendees can decorate sweaters or hats. Or have people make their own floral bouquets using seasonal flowers and pine branches, and the evergreen scent will emanate throughout the space. 

7. Include a Group CSR Activity

The holidays are a time of year where attendees are looking to help those less fortunate, so why not add a CSR component that would appeal to everyone? A new bicycle is a classic gift for under the Christmas tree, and attendees can work together to build bikes, which you can donate to local in-need children. Many companies can organize this for an organization, or you can partner with local children's organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, and boys and girls clubs. Two good places to start are the Bikes For Kids Foundation or Build-A-Bike.

8. Create a Remote Option

Don’t leave out those people who are unable to travel, whether it’s because they are ill or have a disability. Include a remote video chat option like Zoom or Google Meet in the room, so that they can connect with their colleagues during the event. If you are including an attendee gift, send them to the remote employees' homes so they have them on the day of the event.