WorkforceCouncil Discussion: DEI Unveiled: Infusing Holiday Cheer with Inclusion and Equity in the Workplace
Elpida Kokkota, Founder & CEO, Mexoxo*. Investigating how education fosters gender equity and equality through authentic stories worldwide in various settings.
The festive season typically presents gifts, laden tables filled with family, and a sense of enchantment. As another year concludes, many of us experience the sentiment of affection, generosity, and sharing. Simultaneously, the season might stir up intense emotions amid the festivities.
Throughout the year, holidays are celebrated through various customs—Diwali, Thanksgiving, Ramadan, Christmas, Hanukkah, Buddhist practices, and Indigenous beliefs—each reflecting shared human values. However, across regions, ethnicities, and religious celebrations, women often bear a disproportionate burden of responsibilities as entertainers and nurturers during this period. Although it's crucial to acknowledge these challenges, I choose to emphasize solutions. With this approach in mind, here are some creative strategies to foster inclusivity in your workplace during the holidays, honoring diversity while promoting gender equality.
Tackling Emotional Labor
In 1983, American sociologist Arlie Hochschild coined the term emotional labor, defining it as the regulation of emotions to align with societal norms, frequently to maintain harmonious interactions. In society, emotional labor holds a financial worth, requiring individuals to manage their emotions to conform to expectations in exchange for compensation. Women generally shoulder this responsibility, not only in their personal lives but also in the workplace. The holiday season adds additional tasks, duties, and emotions, all connected to preserving the festive atmosphere. Here are some practical suggestions to assist in balancing emotional labor during the holidays and beyond:
• Share The Festive Spirit: Do you have tasks like purchasing gifts for clients, arranging gift baskets or coordinating holiday parties? Establish diverse committees comprising representatives from all genders, voices, and perspectives. Encourage collaboration, allowing everyone to contribute to creating a festive and equal atmosphere within your team.
• Emphasis on Fathers: This holiday season, in addition to commending top-performers, celebrate distinguished fathers in your workplace. Recognizing caregiving roles traditionally associated with women encourages men to embrace and normalize these responsibilities, fostering genuine equality.
• Diverse Celebrations: Don't restrict your focus to December holidays. Ensure your workplace acknowledges diverse celebrations, regardless of your company's location. Women from certain ethnic or religious backgrounds often face combined inequities, making inclusivity in holiday celebrations a crucial step toward equity. For instance, Diwali, the Indian festival of lights, celebrates empowered women who establish their unique identities. An intriguing concept could be to highlight the women in your work environment who have shone this year, showcasing their resilience and leadership. Recognizing their accomplishments motivates others to grow and empower themselves.
• Seasonal Mindset: DEI is all about celebrating our distinct identities, cherishing pluralism, and learning from one another. Allow your actions to exude positivity and feature inspiring examples of shattering stereotypes. Rectify errors and focus on areas for improvement, but prioritize triumphs that promote equality. Bring joy, wisdom, and an equity-driven mindset to your workplace.
A Closing Perspective
As we draw closer to the year's end—some of us now and others in January—let's celebrate the advancements we've made. From gender equality breakthroughs to those driving these changes—impact leaders, visionary politicians, enlightened corporations, and everyday individuals striving for a superior world—we all contribute to fostering peace and prosperity.
Wishing you a joyous holiday season and a prosperous New Year! May 2025 usher in a global spirit of unity, lightness, and flourishing.
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During the holiday season, women often bear a disproportionate burden of responsibilities, managing emotions to maintain a harmonious atmosphere. To balance emotional labor, consider establishing diverse committees for festive tasks, celebrating distinguished fathers in the workplace, and acknowledging diverse celebrations beyond December holidays.
Elpida Kokkota, the founder and CEO of Mexoxo, focuses on investigating how education fosters gender equity and equality worldwide. She emphasizes on solutions rather than challenges, proposing creative strategies to promote inclusivity during the holidays and beyond.
