Secret Santa” and Diversity in organisations
I have been reading about “Secret Santa” being organised in companies, and I wanted to write about my views on this topic.
When dealing with “group” based decisions, companies often forget that “gifts” can cause pressure for people who already see themselves as “underprivileged”. Yeah, I know, I was told, that no one is being forced to participate, or a gift size specified. But remember that some “rituals” become company culture, and then it becomes difficult to get rid of them at later points.
Picture this, someone working in an organisation cannot afford to spend Rs. 100 a day on transport, despite working in a “good” company because of their financial situation. (I have seen enough combinations to say this happens). Now, the company comes up with a “Secret Santa” programme where everyone “can” subscribe. This person wants to opt out, but cannot, because everyone around them are discussing the gifts to be bought, or ideas on the celebration.
The “peer pressure” is an invisible hand. There was no “intent” of doing this, but it happened.
How does a company that handled “diversity” well approach this ? Or, how “should” they approach it ?
In my opinion, anything that the company wants to “enforce” or “celebrate” should come from the company’s employee expense pool.
For example, give each employee a budget. Ask them to select a “gift” within that from a well known site. Admin/HR can own the ordering process. Put it in a “anonymous” basket. And let the members of the party enjoy the surprise.
I am overly sensitive to the “diversity” angle. And for me, dharma requires that there be “equality” in places where they should be. The rest of the world is “unequal” enough.
Can the “Secret Santa” event show the employees that they are in a “safe place” ?
View / Comments / How are you handling it ?
#culture #diversity #hr #secretsanta #holidayseason
