HR View - Noliday for everyone?

The holidays are here, and while it's a season filled with fun for many, for folks like me who see the world a little differently, it can be a whole lot to handle.

A Party Invitation: Joy or Jitters?

The office Christmas party is meant to be all about joy, but to be honest, for someone who's neurodivergent, getting that invite can sometimes feel like getting a homework assignment. Picture this: a room buzzing with hundreds of people, music that's just a tad too loud, a medley of strong scents, and endless conversations. That's a lot for someone who might find comfort in quieter spaces.

The Secret Santa Shuffle

Then comes Secret Santa, the classic gift exchange. The idea is to surprise a coworker with a gift, but when you're neurodivergent, this tradition can turn tricky. It's like a puzzle where you need to figure out the perfect present on a budget for someone you might barely know. Plus, there's the added challenge of guessing how to react when it's your turn to unwrap a surprise. For someone with autism or ADHD, that's a lot of social cues to decode!

Making the Holidays Happier for Neurodiverse Friends

So, here's the deal—let's tweak the traditions to make sure everyone's included in the festivities:

1. RSVP? It's Your Call! First off, the Christmas party shouldn't be a must-go event. If you'd rather sit this one out, that's totally fine. No need for explanations or feeling like you have to go.

2. Dressing Down the Dress Code Next, let's ditch the dress code. "Smart casual" can mean a hundred different things, so let's just wear what makes us comfy, shall we?

3. Menu Preview Sharing the menu before the party is a smart move. It lets everyone figure out what they'll be eating—or if they'd rather skip the meal and swing by later, that's cool too.

4. Quiet Corners and Clear Directions Having a chill-out zone at the party is a big yes. And clear directions to the venue? Definitely. It's all about making sure everyone can join in without the stress of getting there and back.

5. Maybe Say 'No' to Secret Santa And about Secret Santa—how about we skip it? With budgets tight for everyone, not having to buy a gift (that might just end up forgotten) sounds like a relief.

Kelly Grainger, who's a whiz at making things better for neurodiverse folks, gets it. He says the holiday sparkles and social whirl can really be intense. But with a few small changes, we can make sure the holiday season is truly merry for everyone—neurodivergent or not.

Read more: What 2023’s Top Workplace Trends Tell Us About The Future Of Work

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