Shawnee Love   •  
November 25, 2010

HR tries to be politically correct because they are worried about human rights law, and they also care about employees’ feelings. Managers care too, but they know their people better than HR, so they can make allowances and accommodations for individuals. HR makes accommodations for groups, and that can be painful around the holiday season for the more politically correct members of the field.

Between Diwali, Hanukkah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa (have I missed any?), and then of course the religions that don’t believe in any of them, you might be tempted to scrap the holiday activities. If you are in a quandary, I suggest the “Happy New Year” celebration. December is a good time to practice because you will be ready for another by the time Chinese New Year rolls around in February. In 2011, we say good bye to the Tiger and welcome in the Year of the Rabbit.

Whatever you do during the holiday season with gifts, bonuses, parties, etc. stay true to the spirit of the season of joy, generosity, and caring (at least that’s my take).