Holiday Fiestas

Dear Gabacho:
It's my responsibility to plan the holiday party for all of our employees. We have over 150 employees, 40% of whom are Mexican or Spanish speaking. Over the past 5 years, very few of the Spanish speaking employees ever show up for the party, we do invitations in Spanish and everything. Why aren't they coming?

Judy, Personnel Director, Aspen, CO

Dear Judy:
Good question. There could be many reasons, but here are some that I've found out just by asking these questions: First, where is the party? Is it easily accessible if you don't have a car? Is it a neutral place, or a place where mostly non Spanish-speaking people hang out? Do you allow or invite the kids of the employees to come? Getting someone to babysit so that they can come to the work party might not be a possibility. Is the party at a time when you might be working if you had a second job?

Businesses that I've worked with have found that potluck events are often popular with all employees. There is a sense of comraderie because everyone is required to contribute. Parties where there is dancing, or bowling, or something that you are actually doing, besides eating, also seem to be universally appreciated and attended. A survey of your Spanish-speaking employees asking where they'd like the holiday party to be this year might reveal something too. If it is really important that all your employees attend, you also might want to consider throwing the party during your business hours, if possible.