Employees should be respectful of others’ beliefs at the holidays

January 1, 2018

In the next two weeks, there will be an excitement around the workplace, with celebrations of the holidays through New Year’s Day.

This time of year, every workplace has that coworker who wears perpetual holiday gear or is the one who has a pile of Amazon deliveries in the office. There’s also the coworker who talks incessantly about her grandchildren visiting for the holidays and those making holiday plans.

While sometimes it’s annoying, the spirit of the holidays creates a truly special time.

For some colleagues, however, this time of year is very difficult.

Some coworkers don’t celebrate Christian or Jewish holidays, and feel left out and frustrated by all the hype. They don’t want to participate in the festivities, and frequently feel isolated by their lack of interest.

For others, this time of year causes emotions of depression and anxiety. Not everyone has good family relationships, and the season may bring on painful memories.

For example, one of my friends lost both his parents 18 years ago in early December. This time of year is filled with mixed emotions.

There are also those who have suffered tragedy during the year. Several local families have lost children from cancer or traffic accidents. Others suffer financial distress, divorce or health issues.

Thus, while the excitement builds in the workplace these next two weeks, colleagues are encouraged to be sensitive to the reality of what others might be experiencing.

Sometimes, when a colleague doesn’t participate or becomes distant this time of year, coworkers might wrongly perceive the person to be a difficult coworker with a bad attitude.

If the colleague has been cordial all year other than this time of year, coworkers should give the colleague the benefit of the doubt.

To alleviate escalating a conflict, colleagues are encouraged to simply accept when a coworker sits out during a holiday party or pot luck celebration, and avoid isolating that person or treating him or her differently.

The emotions around the season can be powerful, and sensitivity to what others are experiencing would truly demonstrate the spirit of the season.

Managers are cautioned to be alert to changes in behaviors by employees in these next two weeks. Employees might show a change in emotions, behaviors or communications. Talk with the employee about what you are observing and provide encouragement and support.

However, you can still expect cooperation and proper attendance unless the employee presents information (such as a serious health condition of self, spouse or child) that would prompt rights under the Family Medical Leave Act.

While this time of year is festive and exciting for most, employers and coworkers are encouraged to be respectful of others’ beliefs as well as potentially difficult emotions that some may be experiencing.