Happy Holidays

The holidays can sometimes provide some challenges for executives and HR professionals. While we want to have a good working environment for all employees, the holidays can sometimes cause difficult situations. Recently, I received a complaint that our former Good Friday holiday is now called “Spring Holiday” yet the Christmas holiday was still named Christmas. Also, complaints were received that the Christmas Party is now called the Holiday Party and the Christmas tree was absent this year. As organizations try to be mindful of all employees with differing cultures, religions, and races, some employees may be okay with the non-denominational changes, but others are not, and are not afraid to voice their complaints. Is there a valid point here? Should Christian holidays be included in the workplace regardless, since its tradition? Employees forget that we do not all have the same beliefs, and while some traditions are okay for some employees, it may not be okay for others. In order to have a work culture that conducive to welcoming all races, religions, backgrounds, and personal beliefs, we must be careful about not forcing religious holidays upon all employees.


(btw I am Christian, but want to be sure all employees have a good work environment, regardless of my personal beliefs)