Holi, a celebration when boundaries blur, laughter echoes, and the spirit of unity shines through. Yet, in our workplaces, the festivity often remains centered around employees in primary roles, while those who contribute to our daily comfort and efficiency—the office boys, clerks, housekeeping staff, security guards and others—are sometimes left on the sidelines.

As we gear up for Holi 2025, it’s time to reimagine how we celebrate. This year, let’s extend the festive spirit beyond cubicles and boardrooms, making Holi truly inclusive. By honouring and involving support staff in meaningful ways, we not only express gratitude but also reinforce a culture of respect, equality, and shared joy.

Holi should be an inclusive celebration

The essence of Holi lies in its ability to dissolve societal hierarchies, bringing people together in a riot of colours. However, in many workplaces, the festival remains exclusive to the corporate workforce, unintentionally excluding those who play an essential role in daily operations.

Office boys ensure the smooth running of day-to-day tasks, clerks keep documentation and administration in order, security guards maintain workplace safety, and housekeeping staff create a clean, comfortable environment. These individuals are the backbone of any organisation, and their contributions deserve recognition.

A truly meaningful Holi celebration should go beyond a token invitation. It should be about fostering genuine appreciation, warmth, and shared joy.

How to celebrate Holi respectfully and inclusively

1. Begin with Gratitude

Before the colours and festivities begin, set the right tone with a simple yet powerful act—acknowledgment. Start Holi celebrations with a heartfelt thank-you speech, highlighting the indispensable role of office support staff. As leader or manager take a moment to express gratitude, reinforcing the message that every team member is valued.

Ways to show appreciation:

• Organise a small felicitation ceremony where office support staff receive handwritten notes or small tokens of gratitude.

• Publicly recognise their contributions through an internal email or social media post, ensuring they feel seen and appreciated.

• Invite them to share their Holi memories or traditions, fostering a sense of belonging.

2. Equal participation in festivities

Holi celebrations often feature team lunches, music, and color play—but do all employees, regardless of their role, feel comfortable joining in? Often, support staff hesitate to participate, fearing they may not be welcomed.

To ensure inclusivity:

• Clearly communicate that Holi celebrations are open to all employees, from executives to housekeeping staff.

• Arrange activities that encourage mixed-group participation, such as team-based games or dance performances.

• Offer an optional dress code (e.g., white kurtas or casuals) so everyone feels equally involved.

Encouraging equal participation doesn’t just enhance the festive spirit—it strengthens team bonds and creates a workplace culture rooted in mutual respect.

3. Celebrate with thoughtful gifts

A great way to extend appreciation is through thoughtful Holi gifts that go beyond material offerings. Instead of generic corporate hampers, consider gifts that cater to the needs and preferences of your office support staff.

Meaningful gift ideas:

• Essential grocery kits with food staples and sweets for their families.

• Festival bonuses or vouchers for shopping, making their celebrations at home brighter.

• Personalised gifts such as embroidered towels, watches, or bags with their names.

• A day off or half-day so they can celebrate Holi with their loved ones.

The intention behind the gift matters more than its value—it should convey thoughtfulness and appreciation.

4. Foster an atmosphere of respectful celebration

Holi is known for its fun-filled traditions, but it is important to ensure that celebrations remain respectful, especially when including diverse groups. Many office support staff may not be comfortable with color play due to personal or religious reasons.

Ways to keep celebrations respectful:

• Offer a choice to participate in "Dry Holi" with flowers or organic gulal, instead of water balloons and harsh colours.

• Create designated zones for Holi play so those who prefer not to engage can enjoy the festivities without pressure.

• Ensure that everyone is comfortable and that no one is forced into participation.

When Holi is celebrated with respect, it becomes a festival that truly unites.

5. Extend the festivities beyond a single day

Holi celebrations in the office are often limited to a single event, but the spirit of inclusion should go beyond just one day. Creating a lasting impact means building workplace traditions that regularly recognise and uplift support staff.

Ideas for ongoing inclusivity:

• Implement an "Employee of the Month" program that includes office support roles.

• Arrange quarterly appreciation lunches where senior staff and support teams interact on an equal footing.

• Offer skill development sessions or small educational benefits as a long-term investment in their growth.

By making inclusivity a year-round practice, Holi becomes more than just a festival—it becomes a workplace culture.

Holi is not just about colours—it is about connection, community, and care. By extending our celebrations to include those who often go unnoticed, we uphold the true spirit of the festival.

This Holi 2025, let’s ensure that joy reaches every corner of our workplaces. Let’s make it about the office boys who bring us tea, the clerks who keep the paperwork in order, the guards who stand watch, and the housekeeping staff who maintain our workspace. A workplace that celebrates together, grows together.

Because at the end of the day, the colors of Holi fade, but the colors of respect and inclusion last forever. Happy Holi!