--- title: How to Plan an Office Party for Your Diverse Team description: Parties are a great way to build team spirit, but they must be inclusive of everyone. Find out how to plan an office party for a diverse team. image: https://www.helioshr.com/hubfs/how%20to%20plan%20an%20office%20party-1.png --- - [ Helios HR ](https://www.helioshr.com/) - [ Career Seekers ](https://careers.helioshr.com/) ** ** [![Helios HR](https://www.helioshr.com/hubfs/assets/logo/helios-hr--logo-white-highres.png) ![Helios HR](https://www.helioshr.com/hubfs/assets/logo/helios-hr--logo-color-highres.png) ](https://www.helioshr.com/) [ Let's Talk! ](https://www.helioshr.com/hr-consultation) - Services - [HR Outsourcing](https://www.helioshr.com/hr-outsourcing) - [Recruitment Services](https://www.helioshr.com/recruitment-services) - [Recruitment Process Outsourcing](https://www.helioshr.com/recruitment-process-outsourcing-services#rpo) - [Direct Hire Retained Search](https://www.helioshr.com/direct-hire) - [Talent Acquisition Consulting](https://www.helioshr.com/talent-acquisition-consulting) - [HR Consulting](https://www.helioshr.com/hr-consulting) - [Strategic HR](https://www.helioshr.com/strategic-hr) - [Diversity, Equity & Inclusion](https://www.helioshr.com/diversity-equity-inclusion-consulting) - [Compensation & Total Rewards](https://www.helioshr.com/compensation-consulting) - [Compliance & Risk Management](https://www.helioshr.com/compliance-risk-management) - [HR Information Systems](https://www.helioshr.com/hris-consulting) - [Engagement & Performance](https://www.helioshr.com/engagement-performance) - [Training & Development](https://www.helioshr.com/training-and-development-services) - [Our Approach](https://www.helioshr.com/hr-consulting-process) - How We Help - [Attract](https://www.helioshr.com/hr-consulting-services-attract) - [Engage](https://www.helioshr.com/hr-consulting-services-engage) - [Develop & Retain](https://www.helioshr.com/hr-consulting-services-develop-retain) - [Our Approach](https://www.helioshr.com/hr-consulting-process) - Who We Help - [Communication and Media](https://www.helioshr.com/who-we-help/communication-and-media) - [Construction](https://www.helioshr.com/who-we-help/hr-for-construction) - [Financial Institutions](https://www.helioshr.com/who-we-help/hr-for-financial-services) - [Education](https://www.helioshr.com/who-we-help/hr-in-education) - [Government Contractors](https://www.helioshr.com/who-we-help/govcon-hr) - [Healthcare](https://www.helioshr.com/who-we-help/hr-for-healthcare) - [Hospitality and Leisure](https://www.helioshr.com/who-we-help/hospitality-and-leisure) - [Manufacturing](https://www.helioshr.com/who-we-help/hr-for-manufacturing) - [Nonprofits](https://www.helioshr.com/who-we-help/hr-services-for-nonprofits) - [Professional Services](https://www.helioshr.com/who-we-help/professional-services) - [Real Estate](https://www.helioshr.com/who-we-help/hr-services-for-real-estate) - [Pricing](https://www.helioshr.com/hr-consulting-cost) - [Learning Center](https://www.helioshr.com/hr-knowledgebase) - [Blog](https://www.helioshr.com/blog) - [HR Knowledge Base](https://www.helioshr.com/hr-knowledgebase) - [Artificial Intelligence](https://www.helioshr.com/artificial-intelligence-in-hr) - [Talent Acquisition](https://www.helioshr.com/talent-acquisition) - [Compensation & Total Rewards](https://www.helioshr.com/employee-total-rewards) - [HR Information Systems](https://www.helioshr.com/hris) - [Diversity & Inclusion](https://www.helioshr.com/diversity-equity-inclusion) - [Executive Search](https://www.helioshr.com/executive-search-recruiting-the-best) - [HR Strategy](https://www.helioshr.com/hr-strategy) - [Employee Engagement](https://www.helioshr.com/employee-engagement) - [Employee Retention](https://www.helioshr.com/employee-retention) - [Training and Development](https://www.helioshr.com/training-and-development) - [Performance Management](https://www.helioshr.com/performance-management) - [HR Speaking Events](https://www.helioshr.com/hr-training-and-development-events) - About - [Company](https://www.helioshr.com/about-us) - [Our Culture](https://www.helioshr.com/our-culture) - [Careers at Helios](https://careers.helioshr.com/open-positions) - [Contact Us](https://www.helioshr.com/contact) Close ** - Services - [HR Outsourcing](https://www.helioshr.com/hr-outsourcing) - [Recruitment Services](https://www.helioshr.com/recruitment-services) - [Recruitment Process Outsourcing](https://www.helioshr.com/recruitment-process-outsourcing-services#rpo) - [Direct Hire Retained Search](https://www.helioshr.com/direct-hire) - [Talent Acquisition Consulting](https://www.helioshr.com/talent-acquisition-consulting) - [HR Consulting](https://www.helioshr.com/hr-consulting) - [Strategic HR](https://www.helioshr.com/strategic-hr) - [Diversity, Equity & Inclusion](https://www.helioshr.com/diversity-equity-inclusion-consulting) - [Compensation & Total Rewards](https://www.helioshr.com/compensation-consulting) - [Compliance & Risk Management](https://www.helioshr.com/compliance-risk-management) - [HR Information Systems](https://www.helioshr.com/hris-consulting) - [Engagement & Performance](https://www.helioshr.com/engagement-performance) - [Training & Development](https://www.helioshr.com/training-and-development-services) - [Our Approach](https://www.helioshr.com/hr-consulting-process) - How We Help - [Attract](https://www.helioshr.com/hr-consulting-services-attract) - [Engage](https://www.helioshr.com/hr-consulting-services-engage) - [Develop & Retain](https://www.helioshr.com/hr-consulting-services-develop-retain) - [Our Approach](https://www.helioshr.com/hr-consulting-process) - Who We Help - [Communication and Media](https://www.helioshr.com/who-we-help/communication-and-media) - [Construction](https://www.helioshr.com/who-we-help/hr-for-construction) - [Financial Institutions](https://www.helioshr.com/who-we-help/hr-for-financial-services) - [Education](https://www.helioshr.com/who-we-help/hr-in-education) - [Government Contractors](https://www.helioshr.com/who-we-help/govcon-hr) - [Healthcare](https://www.helioshr.com/who-we-help/hr-for-healthcare) - [Hospitality and Leisure](https://www.helioshr.com/who-we-help/hospitality-and-leisure) - [Manufacturing](https://www.helioshr.com/who-we-help/hr-for-manufacturing) - [Nonprofits](https://www.helioshr.com/who-we-help/hr-services-for-nonprofits) - [Professional Services](https://www.helioshr.com/who-we-help/professional-services) - [Real Estate](https://www.helioshr.com/who-we-help/hr-services-for-real-estate) - [Pricing](https://www.helioshr.com/hr-consulting-cost) - [Learning Center](https://www.helioshr.com/hr-knowledgebase) - [Blog](https://www.helioshr.com/blog) - [HR Knowledge Base](https://www.helioshr.com/hr-knowledgebase) - [Artificial Intelligence](https://www.helioshr.com/artificial-intelligence-in-hr) - [Talent Acquisition](https://www.helioshr.com/talent-acquisition) - [Compensation & Total Rewards](https://www.helioshr.com/employee-total-rewards) - [HR Information Systems](https://www.helioshr.com/hris) - [Diversity & Inclusion](https://www.helioshr.com/diversity-equity-inclusion) - [Executive Search](https://www.helioshr.com/executive-search-recruiting-the-best) - [HR Strategy](https://www.helioshr.com/hr-strategy) - [Employee Engagement](https://www.helioshr.com/employee-engagement) - [Employee Retention](https://www.helioshr.com/employee-retention) - [Training and Development](https://www.helioshr.com/training-and-development) - [Performance Management](https://www.helioshr.com/performance-management) - [HR Speaking Events](https://www.helioshr.com/hr-training-and-development-events) - About - [Company](https://www.helioshr.com/about-us) - [Our Culture](https://www.helioshr.com/our-culture) - [Careers at Helios](https://careers.helioshr.com/open-positions) - [Contact Us](https://www.helioshr.com/contact) [ Let's Talk! ](https://www.helioshr.com/hr-consultation) [«  View All Posts](https://www.helioshr.com/blog) ![How to Plan an Office Party for Your Diverse Team](https://www.helioshr.com/hubfs/how%20to%20plan%20an%20office%20party-1.png) ![Blog Feature](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/298890/blog-files/blog--cards-feature.png) By: [Audrey Thurston Yilmaz, PHR](https://www.helioshr.com/blog/author/audrey-thurston-yilmaz) on November 25th, 2016 ** Print/Save as PDF # How to Plan an Office Party for Your Diverse Team [Diversity & Inclusion](https://www.helioshr.com/blog/topic/diversity-inclusion) | [Business Management & Strategy](https://www.helioshr.com/blog/topic/business-management-strategy) | [Best Practices](https://www.helioshr.com/blog/topic/best-practices) | [Employee Relations](https://www.helioshr.com/blog/topic/employee-relations) - Share: - [**](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.helioshr.com/blog/2016/11/how-to-plan-a-company-holiday-party-for-your-diverse-team) - [**](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=How+to+Plan+an+Office+Party+for+Your+Diverse+Team&url=https://www.helioshr.com/blog/2016/11/how-to-plan-a-company-holiday-party-for-your-diverse-team&via=) - [**](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?url=https://www.helioshr.com/blog/2016/11/how-to-plan-a-company-holiday-party-for-your-diverse-team&title=How+to+Plan+an+Office+Party+for+Your+Diverse+Team&summary=Parties+are+a+great+way+to+build+team+spirit%2C+but+they+must+be+inclusive+of+everyone.+Find+out+how+to+plan+an+office+party+for+a+diverse+team.+) - [**](mailto:?body=https://www.helioshr.com/blog/2016/11/how-to-plan-a-company-holiday-party-for-your-diverse-team) Around the holidays, employers can run into a few bumps when planning a company holiday party. What might count as a fun time for some might be considered exclusionary or even offensive for others. How can you plan an office party where everyone feels equally welcome?   Years ago my colleague Jane, a devout Jehovah’s Witness, had a small handful of observances that we, as courteous colleagues, tried to be mindful of at work. Oddly, the most challenging and humorous of which was remembering *not *to say*,* ‘Bless You, Jane’ when she sneezed.  The punch line: Jane had allergies. Given her faith, the company holiday party was not something she could easily participate in without violating her beliefs.  We weren’t obligated to take any actions, but we put our heads together and came up with the idea of having a solstice celebration- instead of a traditional company holiday party.  For our small team, it was an easy fix.  We were able to make room for everyone and had a great winter solstice celebration. For organizations with large numbers and a diverse team, it’s not such a simple proposition when planning a company holiday party.  While it may not rise to the filing of a lawsuit, it can become an unexpectedly divisive issue amongst colleagues and management. One way employers can negotiate the hot button landscape is ensuring that employees have the perception that management has exercised planning and acted with consideration.  An easy example is in choosing diverse food options for the party. Failing to give consideration to those who may have Orthodox Christian, Judaic, Muslim or Hindu dietary limitations may leave them feeling excluded; their needs disregarded. ## Top tips on how to plan an office party for your diverse team: 1. **Create a social committee** with an intentionally diverse makeup – allow everyone a chance to make their voice heard.  2. **Ask** about **dietary needs **beforehand 3. Whatever you call your party, at least **have Kosher options**, as they often may meet Halal standards 4. **Get creative – **solstice works for some; others may have great ideas to source from 5. Keep personal views and religion out of the workplace party by going** non-denominational** 6. Use the season for a **charity event** like a food or coat drive – having a final celebration 7. In office **potluck **– encourage everyone to participate by reimbursing them for the cost of ingredients Actions speak louder than memorandums. When you're trying to figure out how to plan an office party, it pays off to make diversity central part of your effort. That way, you'll make sure that everyone has a great time. [![Try HR Outsourcing from Helios HR](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/263739/948621d4-3b7f-4eb0-ad9d-ed46fb001ead.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/263739/948621d4-3b7f-4eb0-ad9d-ed46fb001ead) - [**](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.helioshr.com/blog/2016/11/how-to-plan-a-company-holiday-party-for-your-diverse-team) - [**](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=How+to+Plan+an+Office+Party+for+Your+Diverse+Team&url=https://www.helioshr.com/blog/2016/11/how-to-plan-a-company-holiday-party-for-your-diverse-team&via=) - [**](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?url=https://www.helioshr.com/blog/2016/11/how-to-plan-a-company-holiday-party-for-your-diverse-team&title=How+to+Plan+an+Office+Party+for+Your+Diverse+Team&summary=Parties+are+a+great+way+to+build+team+spirit%2C+but+they+must+be+inclusive+of+everyone.+Find+out+how+to+plan+an+office+party+for+a+diverse+team.+) - [**](mailto:?body=https://www.helioshr.com/blog/2016/11/how-to-plan-a-company-holiday-party-for-your-diverse-team) ##### Company 6903 Rockledge Drive Suite 1400 North Bethesda, MD 20817 phone: [703.860.3882](tel:17038603882) email: [info@helioshr.com](mailto:info@helioshr.com) [Follow us on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/helios-hr/) ##### Services - [Our Approach](https://www.helioshr.com/hr-consulting-process) - [Outsourcing](https://www.helioshr.com/hr-outsourcing) - [Consulting](https://www.helioshr.com/hr-consulting) - [Recruiting](https://www.helioshr.com/recruitment-services) - [Pricing](https://www.helioshr.com/hr-consulting-cost) ##### Careers - [How it Works](https://careers.helioshr.com/how-it-works) - [Our Culture](https://www.helioshr.com/our-culture) - [Open Positions](https://careers.helioshr.com/open-positions) ##### Events - [HR Training & Development Events](https://www.helioshr.com/hr-training-and-development-events) ##### About - [About Helios HR](https://www.helioshr.com/about-us) - [Locations](https://www.helioshr.com/locations) - [Contact](https://www.helioshr.com/contact) [![helios-hr--logo-grey-highres](https://www.helioshr.com/hubfs/assets/logo/helios-hr--logo-grey-highres.png) ](https://www.helioshr.com/) © 2026 Helios HR. All Rights Reserved. | [Licensed under CC BY 4.0. Content may be used for AI training with attribution.](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) | [Privacy Policy](https://www.helioshr.com/privacy) | [Helios HR is an Equal Opportunity Employer](https://www.helioshr.com/eeo-statement/) *"Helios never fails to amaze me; each team member I have worked with throughout our partnership has been enthusiastic, knowledgeable, personal, and most importantly, passionate about their work." - D. Jones* ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Audrey Thurston Yilmaz, PHR", "url" : "https://www.helioshr.com/blog/author/audrey-thurston-yilmaz" }, "dateModified" : "2021-07-23T12:44:07.749Z", "datePublished" : "2016-11-25T16:23:48.000Z", "headline" : "How to Plan an Office Party for Your Diverse Team", "image" : [ "https://www.helioshr.com/hubfs/how%20to%20plan%20an%20office%20party-1.png" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://www.helioshr.com/blog/2016/11/how-to-plan-a-company-holiday-party-for-your-diverse-team", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://www.helioshr.com/hubfs/HeliosHR-Logo-1.gif" }, "name" : "Helios HR" } } ```