Workplace Council Discussion: Unraveling DEI: Crafting Inclusive and Equitable Holiday Spirit within the Professional Community
Elpida Kokkota, Director & Lead, Mexoxo. Investigating how education fosters gender fairness and equality through real-life impact stories worldwide.
The festive season usually brings presents, large dining tables filled with relatives and an atmosphere of enchantment. As another year comes to a close, many of us feel the sense of love, generosity and appreciation. Simultaneously, this season can stir up intense emotions amid the fun and festivities.
Throughout the year, holidays are commemorated through various traditions—Diwali, Thanksgiving, Ramadan, Christmas, Hanukkah, Buddhist observances and Indigenous beliefs—each representing shared human values. Yet, across regions, ethnicities and religious celebrations, women often bear an unequal share of the responsibilities as entertainers and caregivers during this season. Though it's crucial to acknowledge these challenges, I prefer to concentrate on the solutions. Following this perspective, here are some imaginative ways to promote inclusivity in your workplace during the festive season, celebrating diversity while pushing for gender equality.
Overcoming Emotional Tasks
American sociologist Arlie Hochschild introduced the idea of emotional tasks in 1983, describing it as the management of emotions to conform with societal norms, typically to ensure smooth interpersonal interactions. In society, emotional tasks have a monetary value, necessitating individuals to regulate their emotions to meet expectations in return for compensation. Women disproportionately carry this burden, not only in their personal lives but also at work. The festive season brings extra responsibilities, chores and emotions, all linked to maintaining the enchantment. Here are some ideas to help balance emotional tasks during the festive season and beyond:
• Spreading the Enchantment: Do you have tasks such as arranging presents for clients, preparing gift hampers or planning festive parties? Create diverse committees that embody various genders, viewpoints and backgrounds. Give everyone an opportunity to share accountability in creating the festive charm. The collaborative journey will spread joy and create an equal, shared spirit alive across your team.
• Recognizing Parental Involvement: This festive season, honor top-performing employees while also commending exceptional fathers within your workforce. By acknowledging caregiving roles often associated with women, you encourage men to embrace and normalize these responsibilities, ultimately fostering genuine equality.
• Celebrating Various Joy: Don't focus exclusively on December holidays. Ensure your workplace acknowledges diverse celebrations, irrespective of your company's location. Women from certain ethnic or religious backgrounds often confront compounded inequalities, making festive season inclusivity a crucial step towards equity. For example, Diwali, the Indian festival of lights, celebrates empowered women who forge their unique identities. An innovative idea could be to showcase the women in your work environment who have thrived this year, showcasing their resilience and leadership. Recognizing their accomplishments motivates others to grow and empower themselves.
• Festive Enthusiasm: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) is about celebrating our distinct identities, embracing pluralism and learning from each other. Let your actions reflect positivity and highlight inspiring examples of breaking stereotypes. Acknowledge errors and growth zones, but emphasize triumphs that strengthen equity. Bring enthusiasm, understanding and an equity-focused spirit to your workplace.
Final Reflections
As we approach the end of the year—some of us now and others later in January, let's celebrate the progress we've made. From gender equality achievements to the individuals driving these changes—impact leaders, visionary politicians, conscious corporations and everyday individuals working towards a better world—we all contribute to cultivating harmony and prosperity.
Wishing you a wonderful festive season and a prosperous New Year! May 2025 bring a global spirit of unity, lightness and growth to all corners of the earth.
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In the context of promoting inclusivity and gender equality during the festive season, Elpida Kokkota could establish diverse committees to share the responsibilities of festive tasks, providing equal opportunities and spreading joy among team members. Additionally, she could recognize exceptional fathers in the workplace, encouraging men to embrace caregiving roles and fostering genuine equality.
