Eight Tips to Organize an Inclusive, Diverse, and Nourishing Office Party

Love it or loathe it, in December most organizations throw a holiday office party to celebrate the end of the year. How do you hold one that reflects your values, culture, and diversity within your team?

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Let's be honest; if many employees look forward to it to celebrate the year's successes and spend time with colleagues in a casual way, other staff might feel stressed, anxious, and peer-pressured.

People with dietary restrictions or unable to attend social events in the evening or late at night might feel like they are not being considered. But not attending doesn't seem an option either. A common concern is: "Will people talk about me if I'm not there?"

"Will people talk about me if I'm not there?"

So how do you throw an office party that includes everybody?

Of course, planning an office party is an exciting project, and you want it to be a positive experience for everybody. But you can’t please everybody. While most employees will appreciate your inclusivity efforts, others—who don't want any change within their established traditions—might hinder your suggestions.

If you’re a manager, a people operation, a member of the event committee, or the person who is in charge of organizing the office parties in your company, this episode—my first solo episode—is for you! Today, I dive into my eight tips for keeping your office holiday party and celebration inclusive, diverse, nourishing, and (most of all) enjoyable for everybody.

Key Take-aways

Short on time? Here are my eight tips on planning an inclusive, diverse, and nourishing office party:

Start and focus on people

Avoid any assumptions

Step into your power as a host and lead by example

Enjoy it responsibly. Don't make it about alcohol

Think about other events you could celebrate throughout the year

Serve something for everybody. Keep in mind dietary restrictions

Buy consciously and support your local community

Enjoy yourself

Find these tips useful? Have more tips to share? Tag your thoughts #thenourishingworkplacepod for a chance to be featured.

Show Notes A shortlist of articles and resources mentioned in this episode plus further resources:

Knoll's Jenny West – How to Infuse Hospitality in Your Workplace mentioned in Tip 1 (ep03 of The Nourishing Workplace)

Rei Chou – How to Create Intentional Space for Presence and Connection mentioned in Tip 3 (ep02 of The Nourishing Workplace)

Airbnb's McKenzie Phelan – How Airbnb Built a Unique Food Program mentioned in Tip 5 (ep01 of The Nourishing Workplace)

More on teetotalism, the sober curious movement, and B Corps

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Bonus Worksheet

PLUS: I created a free workbook for you with all the prompts mentioned in the episode so you can take action now! Get your hands on it here.

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