In 2023, we introduced a toolkit that empowered organizations to embrace inclusivity in the workplace all year round. Simple yet effective, our Diversity Calendar empowers organizations to be aware of and observe important cultural celebrations. In this post, we’ll dive deep into the benefits of a diversity calendar and how inclusive holiday planning can engage your employees.
What is a diversity calendar?
A diversity calendar provides a list of non-Western or non-Christian dates celebrated by other ethnic, religious, or cultural groups. Our toolkit’s diversity and inclusion calendar specifically lists major dates observed in Canada, that complement existing statutory holidays. It covers ethnic, cultural, and religious observances, as well as dates significant to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) topics. This cultural awareness calendar is not an exhaustive list but offers a well-researched starting point for organizations to begin acknowledging diverse dates throughout the year.
Why should I diversify my calendar?
Normalize celebrating diverse holidays
As our communities grow more diverse, so too will our organizations. Diversifying your workplace calendar communicates to employees that your organization acknowledges this growing diversity. Actively observing these dates demonstrates your commitment to building a welcoming workplace. By celebrating diversity at work all year round, you create opportunities for a diverse clientele and future hires to feel included.
EDI is not a zero-sum game
Including other holidays does not require the removal of mainstream holidays from your calendar. EDI is not a zero-sum game, where one person’s gain is another person’s loss. Instead, think of it through the phrase “yes, and…” For example, your organization can host a potluck in December for both Hanukkah and Christmas or a multi-cultural year-end holiday celebration centred around sharing celebratory meals. By embracing cultural celebrations and diverse practices, employees are encouraged to connect and learn from one another.
Canada is growing and diversifying
The growing focus on workplace inclusivity in Canada reflects both a commitment to inclusivity and the impact of immigration. Greater inclusivity has allowed racialized groups to share their culture openly at work, school, and society at large. For example, the term “Lunar New Year” now broadly includes various Asian cultures. Using inclusive language ensures all related festivities are recognized while respecting individual traditions.
3 ways to plan holidays inclusively:
It’s unrealistic to expect everyone to observe every single holiday listed on the diversity and inclusion calendar. However, organizations can gradually introduce important dates to create an inclusive workplace culture. Here are three strategies to engage your employees:
- Observe diverse holidays in-person
Using a cultural awareness calendar allows you to plan inclusive events that recognize various communities. For instance, October is Islamic History Month, Women’s History Month, and Latin American Heritage Month, among others. Attend or support community events, or use the calendar to plan internal observances. Your inclusion toolkit can serve as a reminder to make year-end events more inclusive for all.
Tips for inclusive holiday planning:
- Engage employees in event planning to include diverse perspectives.
- Make attendance optional, allowing autonomy.
- Host events during work hours to respect work-life boundaries.
- Centre gatherings around food, not alcohol, to create welcoming spaces.
- Acknowledge diverse comfort levels by offering choice.
- Celebrate diverse holidays online
Use dates from your cultural celebration ideas for work as a guide for creating content to share internally or online. For instance, in February, you might recognize Pink Shirt Day by sharing personal stories or posting about your commitment to an inclusive workplace. Authentic content helps your organization connect with clients and employees while promoting inclusive workplace culture.
- Adjust holiday, vacation and personal time off policies
Building an inclusive workplace culture involves equitable policies for holidays and time off. Knowing when important dates are approaching helps organizations support employee needs. By adapting policies to include diverse observances, your diversity calendar toolkit’s resources can guide you in designing a workplace that values inclusivity.
Why Invest in a Diversity Calendar Toolkit?
Our Diversity Calendar Toolkit offers a comprehensive resource for fostering an inclusive workplace. Beyond the annual diversity calendar, it includes employee engagement tools, like an Employee Insights Survey, that provide insight into your team’s priorities and interests. You’ll also find expertly crafted holiday posters to boost cultural awareness and ready-to-use social media packs designed to share celebrations and observances online.
Each of these resources supports your organization’s journey toward sustained inclusivity, creating spaces where every employee feels recognized and valued. With a single investment, this inclusion toolkit becomes a lasting asset for your diversity and inclusion initiatives, aligning with your workplace’s commitment to equity and understanding. Get yours today!