The festive season is a time for celebration, and workplace Christmas parties have become a tradition in many companies. However, for some employees, particularly neurodivergent individuals, these events can be stressful and overwhelming. Socialising in a large group or navigating loud, busy environments can be challenging for those with Autism, ADHD, anxiety, or other neurodivergent conditions.
In this blog, we’ll explore how to create more inclusive and accessible Christmas parties at work, ensuring that everyone feels comfortable, included, and engaged.
1. Offer virtual or hybrid options
For neurodivergent employees who may find in-person gatherings overwhelming, offering a virtual or hybrid Christmas party is an excellent solution. Virtual events can eliminate the anxiety of crowds, long commutes, and sensory overload, providing a more relaxed and accessible environment.
You can host a variety of online/hybrid activities, such as:
- Online games or competitions: Platforms like Kahoot allow teams to engage in fun, low-pressure activities without face-to-face interaction.
- Virtual secret Santa: Consider organising an online gift exchange where participants can shop from a list of curated items to suit various preferences.
- Christmas quiz: A Christmas-themed quiz that can be done online or in the office.
- Christmas jumper competition: Employees can submit photos of their Christmas jumper without the need for live participation, reducing social anxiety.
2. Offer flexible attendance and participation
Not everyone will want to participate in every aspect of a Christmas party, and that’s okay. Offering flexibility in terms of when people can join or leave and what they choose to participate in ensures that no one feels forced to take part in something they’re not comfortable with.
- Flexible timing: Some might want to attend for only an hour, while others may prefer a shorter time due to social or sensory fatigue.
- Multiple options: Allow employees to skip certain activities without judgment. For example, if there’s a group activity, there should be the option to opt out without feeling pressured.
- Celebrate diverse holidays and traditions: While Christmas is a widely celebrated holiday, some employees may celebrate other holidays or none at all. Be mindful of including diverse holiday traditions in your workplace celebrations, so everyone feels respected.
3. Ensure clear communication and advanced notice
When organising a Christmas party, it’s essential to provide clear and timely communication, so that all employees have enough time to prepare and can decide whether the event is something they’d feel comfortable attending.
- Detailed agenda: Include as much information as possible about the event. Knowing what to expect ahead of time helps alleviate anxiety.
- Open dialogue: Encourage open communication to allow for any specific needs or concerns to be voiced about the event.
- Inclusive spaces: Try to be mindful when picking the location of the Christmas party, or ensure that there are some sensory-friendly spaces for employees to go to.
Conclusion
Work Christmas parties can be a wonderful way to connect, celebrate, and bond as a team. By being mindful of the needs of neurodivergent individuals, employers can ensure that these events are enjoyable and inclusive for all employees.
