Holiday Season Do's and Don'ts for HR Leaders

Making the Holidays Work: A Guide to Joyful, Inclusive Celebrations 

The holiday season at work is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate your team, boost morale, and close out the year on a high note. With a little thoughtfulness and planning, you can create meaningful celebrations that bring everyone together. 

Here's your practical guide to navigating the holidays at work with intention, inclusivity, and joy. 

DO: Celebrate Inclusively 

Do create celebrations that welcome everyone. Consider "year-end celebrations" or "holiday gatherings" that embrace the many backgrounds of your team. 

Do offer flexible ways to participate. Some people love big parties, others prefer low-key lunches or virtual options. Give your team choices that work for different comfort levels and schedules. 

Do ask your team what they want. A quick survey can help you plan celebrations people will actually enjoy—whether that's a catered meal, charitable giving, or an extra day off. 

DO: Keep Gifting Simple and Optional 

Do establish clear guidelines for gift exchanges. Keep them optional with reasonable price limits that work for everyone's budget. 

Do consider team-based giving alternatives like charitable donations or volunteer opportunities that create impact beyond the office. 

Do remember that the best gifts flow from leadership to team members, never the other way around. 

DO: Protect Time Off and Work-Life Balance 

Do approve PTO requests fairly and encourage employees to truly unplug during their time off. 

Do lead by example. Take time off yourself and show your team it's genuinely okay to disconnect. 

Do be realistic about year-end deadlines. Not everything needs to happen by December 31st—give your team breathing room. 

DO: Plan Thoughtful Celebrations 

Do schedule celebrations during work hours when possible, making it easier for working parents, caregivers, and those with long commutes to participate. 

Do include remote team members in meaningful ways—virtual options, care packages, or separate celebrations —to ensure no one feels left out. 

Do take time to personally thank team members for their specific contributions throughout the year. 

DON'T: Create Unnecessary Pressure 

Don't make attendance at holiday events feel mandatory, even implicitly. Keep celebrations optional and judgment-free. 

Don't schedule high-stakes meetings or major deadlines during the last two weeks of December when most people are winding down. 

Don't send work communications during off-hours or holidays. Respect boundaries and give your team true downtime. 

Don't tie professional evaluations or bonuses to participation in social activities. 

DON'T: Assume One Size Fits All 

Don't assume everyone celebrates the same holidays or feels the same way about the season. For some, this time brings joy; for others, it may bring stress or grief. 

Don't pressure anyone to participate in activities that don't feel comfortable—whether that's gift exchanges, after-hours events, or specific celebrations. 

Don't forget that company events are still professional settings. Set clear expectations around behavior and maintain your workplace standards. 

The Bottom Line 

The holidays are a beautiful opportunity to celebrate your team and show appreciation for everything they've accomplished. When we lead with inclusivity, respect individual needs, and create genuine moments of connection, we build celebrations that strengthen our culture and energize everyone for the year ahead. 

This season, focus on what matters most: making your team feel valued, respected, and celebrated in ways that work for them. 

Ready to build a workplace culture that celebrates and supports your team all year long? InvigorateHR is here to help you create people-first strategies that make a real difference. Let's talk.