As the fall and winter holidays approach, managers may find themselves wondering how to handle time off requests from employees with diverse backgrounds and celebrations. In a recent Job Doc column on Boston.com, a manager expressed concern about acknowledging holidays not on the company calendar, especially those less familiar to them.
The Job Doc advised the manager to create an inclusive environment where all employees feel welcome and appreciated. Without asking for personal religious beliefs, the manager can request time off preferences from employees and consider all requests up until year-end. Balancing business needs with personal time off, the manager can establish a system for approving time off requests, potentially based on length of service.
The Job Doc also emphasized the importance of accommodating religious holidays and offering floating holidays for non-traditional celebrations. By considering the diverse needs of employees, the manager can ensure a fair and inclusive approach to time off requests during busy holiday seasons.
In conclusion, the Job Doc encouraged the manager to be proactive in understanding and respecting the various holidays and traditions celebrated by their team members. By fostering an open and inclusive workplace culture, the manager can create a positive environment where everyone feels valued and respected.
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Photo credit www.boston.com
