The holiday season usually brings gifts, large tables filled with family and an air of magic. As another year comes to a close, many of us feel the spirit of love, giving and receiving. At the same time, the season can surface overwhelming emotions amid the celebrations. Throughout the year, holidays are celebrated through diverse traditions—Diwali, Thanksgiving, Ramadan, Christmas, Hanukkah, Buddhist observances and Indigenous beliefs—each reflecting shared human values. Yet, across regions, ethnicities and religious celebrations, women often bear a disproportionate share of the responsibilities as entertainers and nurturers during this time of year. While it's important to acknowledge these challenges, I prefer to focus on the solutions. With that in mind, here are some creative ways to foster inclusivity in your workplace during the holidays, celebrating diversity while advancing gender equality.

Addressing Emotional Labor to Celebrate Diversity and Equity

American sociologist Arlie Hochschild introduced the concept of emotional labor in 1983, defining it as the management of emotions to align with societal norms, often to ensure smooth interpersonal interactions. In society, emotional labor has a market value, requiring individuals to regulate their emotions to meet expectations in exchange for a wage. Women disproportionately shoulder this burden, not just in their personal lives but also at work. The holiday season brings added responsibilities, chores and emotions, all tied to keeping the magic alive. Here are some actionable ideas to help balance emotional labor during the holidays and beyond, celebrating diversity and equity:

Spread The Magic: Do you have tasks like ordering gifts for clients, preparing gift baskets or organizing holiday parties? Form diverse committees that represent all genders, voices and perspectives. Allow everyone to share accountability in creating the holiday magic. The journey of collaboration will help spread joy and create a shared, equal spirit across your team, celebrating diversity and equity.

A Focus On Fathers: This holiday season, alongside rewarding top-performing employees, celebrate exceptional fathers in your workforce. By acknowledging caregiving roles traditionally associated with women, you encourage men to embrace and normalize these responsibilities, fostering true equality and celebrating diversity.

Read the full article about diversity and equity during the holidays by Elpida Kokkota at Forbes.