Inclusion During the Festive Season

By Samantha Stimpson (Founder & CEO: SLS 360)

Photo Credit: Canva

The Season of Light. Why Inclusion Matters Even More at during this Festive Season

December can feel sparkly and magical on the surface for many, but underneath it carries a range of emotions, beliefs and expectations. People often assume the season looks the same for everyone. It does not.

Real inclusion during the festive period starts with curiosity. It honours the fact that people may be celebrating different festivals, observing religious practices, remembering loved ones or simply trying to survive the rush or deal with the family WhatsApp group. It understands that for many the stress of finding presents they can afford to please small children takes away some of the joy, and that joy and grief for some sit right next to each other.

This year will be our second Christmas as a family without my husband and my daughter’s father. We are reminded of the things we used to do together. My husband would plan to buy a small, simple Christmas tree and always got talked into buying one so big it just about fit in the house! He was a last minute shopper, fighting the masses in the West End on the 23rd December. These are moments which make us smile and feel sad at the same time.

Writers like Priya Parker remind us that ‘gatherings have meaning when they are intentional’.

Inclusion works the same way. It is built from deliberate choices, not accidental habits.

Below are some ways you can make your workplace more inclusive this December with practical actions that prioritise kindness, respect and genuine connection.

● Make space for difference. Not everyone celebrates Christmas and that is fine. Your organisation can still honour the season without assuming one cultural narrative.

● Communicate clearly. Tell people what to expect regarding work, events, deadlines and leave. Uncertainty breeds stress, especially during an already intense time of year.

● Spread flexibility like confetti. Adjust meeting times, allow people to take religious leave, and avoid scheduling major deadlines between the 20th and 31st unless you want to destabilise the nation.

● Check in with real care. A simple question is powerful. “How are you managing this time of year?” is a deceptively inclusive sentence.

Ultimately, the festive season gives us a yearly opportunity to practice the values we say we believe in. Kindness. Equity. Curiosity and ultimately…Respect.

This is not just festive spirit. It is good leadership.

What we’re doing at SLS 360

SLS 360 supports organisations and individuals to be bold and brave in your efforts to affect positive change. For more information on SLS 360 and the I.D.E.A.L Network, visit www.sls360.org. You can also subscribe to receive our fortnightly audio cast, monthly newsletter and be the first to hear about special offers and events in the world of inclusion, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

📩 Reach out to us at info@sls360.org to start the conversation.

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