Are the holiday blues a diversity issue? At first thought, the busyness and stress of the holiday season doesn’t seem directly related to workplace diversity, but delve a little deeper, and the connection becomes clear.
Certainly, the religious aspects of the season must be considered. Employers need to take care that religious decorations and celebrations focused on Christmas or Hanukkah don’t make employees from different traditions feel bombarded or left out. But holiday concerns go beyond religious observances. The holidays also can bring financial and family stress, as well as feelings of fatigue, sadness, and loneliness—all problems employees bring with them to work.