As people in the United States gather to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday, gratitude and thankfulness begin to pour over social media feeds. And while the end of the solar calendar feels like a time for togetherness, gathering around a communal table to share a meal, the glittering holiday season often glosses over profound human truths – times of celebration can also be difficult for many. It may magnify loss, family tension, isolation, hopelessness, exhaustion, or even survivor’s guilt rather than comfort and joy. Potentially perpetuating already divided morale. As the year draws to a close, how can organizations cultivate gratitude while recognizing not everyone feels merry and bright?

With the recent launch of the WHO’s Commission on Social Connection – a global response to the serious health crisis of isolation and loneliness affecting all cultures, we are reminded how vital the need for social connection is to our sense of belonging and well-being. Lack of social ties is strikingly common worldwide. Studies show 1 in 4 adults and up to 15% of adolescents experience isolation across regions and cultures. The insufficient connection carries a health risk equivalent to well-established threats like smoking and air pollution. How might colleagues cultivate true community and leaders make space at the table for all? Joyful and woeful.

Nurturing Bonds

The holidays can magnify loss and tension. But they also represent opportunities to come together in our diversity and cultivate connectivity and care, particularly in light of global strife.

Recognizing the inherent need in each of us to feel recognized and valued for our unique experiences and backgrounds, we can play a pivotal role in fortifying inclusive safe spaces. These spaces go beyond simple acknowledgment; they actively invite the sharing of diverse feelings and traditions. In doing so, organizations not only acknowledge the richness of their employees’ identities but also reinforce human bonds precisely when they are needed most.

Creating Safe Spaces During Holidays

Studies link social isolation to increased anxiety, dementia, depression, and even stroke. The ability to create safe spaces during challenging times becomes a cornerstone for fostering emotional resilience. As leaders, recognizing and responding to the emotional and cultural undercurrents may notice signals of distress like withdrawal or changes in engagement. Soft inquiries about wellbeing open doors for vulnerable sharing.

Leaders attuned to the subtle shifts in their team’s dynamics may notice signals of distress – a colleague’s withdrawal, changes in engagement, or a heaviness in the air during celebrations. These cues, often unspoken, serve as invitations for compassionate leadership. Soft inquiries about well-being open doors for vulnerable sharing, laying the groundwork for a culture of genuine connection.

After an emotional year strained by her family’s safety abroad, Danielle notices teammate Lakshmi seems withdrawn during a team celebration. Taking a moment to reach out, she gently asks, “Is everything okay? Would you like to talk?”

In that tender moment, Lakshmi opens up, “My mother recently passed away, so celebrations feel hollow,” revealing the emotional turmoil behind her outward withdrawal. Danielle, embodying compassion, makes space for Lakshmi to express her feelings without judgment or haste. In the face of grief’s unpredictable waves, Danielle extends a steady hand of support, checking in regularly to ensure that Lakshmi feels heard and valued.

Creating safe spaces involves more than just acknowledging difficulties; it requires a commitment to fostering an environment where vulnerability is met with empathy and understanding. It’s about trust that allows team members to share their joys and sorrows openly.

Promoting Cross-Cultural Wellness

Jordan recognizes employees seem increasingly stressed, struggling to balance deadlines amidst heightened emotions swirling and holiday demands. “This time of year often carries unrealistic expectations,” Jordan acknowledges. “Please prioritize your health – we’ll implement a 4-day December workweek.” The team sighs in relief at steps to curb conflict while preventing fatigue. Accommodations, however big or small, say “We see you when it hurts most.”

As the WHO Commission states: “We have an obligation to rebuild the social fabric of society.” The path forward lies in compassionately supporting employees across cultures and begins by meeting people where they are – acknowledging this season magnifies hardship for some even amidst celebrations.

Surface-level celebration often suppresses sorrow. Yet the winter holidays mirror life’s diversity – where laughter and tears mingle, woven as one. Can we meet suffering with the same presence offered to joy? Bear witness without turning away?

Consider weaving caring practices into organizational culture:

• Sensitively checking in on those withdrawn
• Validating experiences when distress surfaces
• Adjusting expectations openly to prevent fatigue
• Modeling openness and understanding leadership

Our identities are multifaceted, shaped by individual stories and cultural backgrounds. When people share wisdom we can shift from surface celebration toward purposeful connection. Meet them where they are – there is room for everything to be voiced and understood.

Recognize people navigate the season differently based on their cultural and faith identities. Adjust organizational culture and policies with nuanced sensitivity, compassion, and flexibility:

• Offer support to colleagues who experience anxiety triggered by workplace holiday parties and social expectations. Allow them to adjust their schedules to limit time at these events and provide training to leaders on how to recognize signs of overstimulation.
• Be mindful of employees who do not celebrate mainstream religious holidays. Ensure that calendars and expectations do not assume everyone participates. Accommodate important observance days for those of minority faiths, respect religious attire, and provide spaces for rituals/prayers.
• Make accommodations for employees who are unable to travel home for the holidays due financial hardship or immigrating to a new country. Allow them to connect virtually with loved ones and consider organizing small gestures of care from colleagues. Offer the option to join alternate local holiday gatherings if desired.
• Be sensitive to the needs of LGBTQ+ employees who may feel distress during family holidays. Direct them to LGBTQ+ affirming counseling services and create private forums for employees to support each other and share coping strategies.

The key is to understand the challenges faced by different groups or individuals and respond with tailored support.

Long-Term Impact

As we set the table for gratitude and inclusivity, recognize that the effects of these efforts extend far beyond festive moments. Fostering social connection within organizations creates a cornucopia of well-being. Influencing employee morale and engagement throughout the entire year.

Employee Morale: The sense of belonging and interconnectedness during the holidays boosts employee morale. When people feel seen, heard, and valued, they approach work with a positive mindset, creating a motivated workforce.

Employee Engagement: Social connections enhance employee engagement. When teams willingly bond beyond their professional duties, collaboration is more natural, ideas flow freely, and collective energy drives the organization towards shared goals. The connections made during holiday initiatives become integral to day-to-day interactions.

Overall Well-Being: A culture rooted in gratitude and inclusivity promotes the well-being of employees. Feeling supported and understood reduces stress, eliminates feelings of isolation, and fosters a positive work environment. Improved well-being positively impacts job satisfaction and the overall health of the organization.

Adaptability and Resilience: A connected workforce is more adaptable and resilient in the face of challenges. Natural relationships formed during celebrations provide a foundation for navigating difficult times together. Whether overcoming obstacles, embracing change, or celebrating achievements, a socially connected team navigates storms with greater cohesion.

The investments made in fostering social connection during the holiday season serve as a strategic and enduring commitment to the well-being and success of the organization. By recognizing and addressing the diverse needs of individuals, organizations can build a resilient community that thrives not just during festivities but sustains a culture of support, understanding, and connection throughout the entire year.

Interactive Element: Reflecting on Inclusivity

Take a moment to reflect on your organization’s holiday practices. How can you intentionally integrate inclusivity and compassion into your workplace culture during the festive season? Consider initiatives that celebrate various cultural traditions, provide support for those facing personal challenges, and ensure that everyone feels seen and appreciated while respecting their boundaries.

This interactive element serves as a catalyst for proactive engagement, encouraging leaders and colleagues to consider tangible steps to weave inclusivity into the fabric of their organizational culture, creating an environment where every individual feels a sense of belonging.

As we navigate the complexities of the holiday season, I am grateful for the ripe opportunities it brings to embrace both life’s togetherness and apartness. Let’s carry this spirit of understanding forward beyond the festivities. What actions could you take today to help someone feel less alone? It is through these small yet impactful gestures that we contribute to a culture of empathy and connection that extends far beyond the holiday season.

Reference

World Health Organization. (2023, November 15). Who launches commission to Foster Social Connection. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news/item/15-11-2023-who-launches-commission-to-foster-social-connection