Johnny C. Taylor Jr. addresses your HR queries as part of a series for YSL News. He is the president and CEO of the Society for Human Resource Management, the largest HR professional organization globally, and the author of “Reset: A Leader’s Guide to Work in an Age of Upheaval.”
Question: Some employees are curious about wearing Halloween costumes at work. We support some festive fun but are concerned it might lead to issues. What guidelines should we put in place to keep it under control? – Nia
Answer: Halloween can be an enjoyable opportunity for boosting workplace morale, but you’ve hit the nail on the head about needing to establish clear guidelines to maintain professionalism. With the right policies, employees can have fun without running into problems.
Here are some suggested guidelines:
◾ Participation should be voluntary: Clearly communicate that joining in on the Halloween festivities, including wearing costumes, is entirely optional. Some employees may prefer not to participate for personal reasons, and their choices should be acknowledged. Ensure that those who choose not to partake still feel supported.
◾ Costume expectations: Set clear standards for costumes. For instance, costumes should still comply with your company’s dress code, even if it’s more relaxed for the day. Outfits must be suitable for a professional environment, avoiding any offensive or inappropriate themes, like overly suggestive attire, costumes that mock cultural or religious beliefs, or those that reinforce violent or prejudiced stereotypes. A solid rule could be requiring that costumes cover “shoulders to knees.”
◾ Cultural awareness: Remind your team that costumes should not belittle, mock, or inappropriately represent cultural, religious, or racial identities. Respect for all individuals in the workplace is crucial. Providing examples of unacceptable costumes can help set a clear understanding of boundaries.
◾ Plan B: Encourage staff to bring extra clothes in case a costume doesn’t align with the guidelines or becomes uncomfortable during the day. Consider having some alternative company-appropriate attire available for anyone who needs to change.
◾ Manage communication: Managers ought to be ready to address any costume-related concerns that might arise throughout the day. This can involve having a quick chat with an employee if their outfit is inappropriate or handling complaints from colleagues. Keeping lines of communication open is essential to ensure clarity among all team members.
◾ Be flexible with scheduling: Acknowledge that some staff may not feel comfortable with Halloween for religious or personal reasons. Offer flexible work arrangements or remote options for those who would rather not be in the office during the celebrations.
By implementing and clearly communicating these guidelines, you can make sure Halloween remains an enjoyable occasion for everyone while avoiding any potential issues.
We’ve noticed a couple of colleagues displaying opposing political items at their desks. While this hasn’t led to any disputes, it can be distracting for those who may not share their opinions. Is it acceptable to have political displays in the workplace? – Spencer
In today’s diverse work settings, it’s common for employees to express various aspects of their personal lives, including political beliefs. While this kind of self-expression can add dynamism to the work environment, it’s crucial to consider how political displays might impact others, especially in shared spaces where different perspectives exist.
Most organizations enforce policies about workplace decorum and behavior, particularly related to political or social expressions. If these displays are causing discomfort or distractions, it may be beneficial to revisit your company’s policy on personal expression at work. If you believe the political items contradict those guidelines, discussing your concerns with HR or a manager would be appropriate.
Beyond the policies, it’s also important to appreciate that workplaces gather individuals from an array of backgrounds and viewpoints. Some employees may feel that their political displays are part of their identity, similar to how others might showcase cultural artifacts, sports memorabilia, or personal photographs. Instead of fixating on the differing symbols, fostering open conversations around discomfort or asking colleagues about their feelings can sometimes uncover common ground.
Ultimately, it’s about creating a workplace where all employees feel comfortable and respected. Striking a balance between personal expression and maintaining a cohesive work environment can be challenging, but addressing the situation with understanding and respect for differing opinions is key.
Fostering a welcoming and professional atmosphere is crucial for ensuring that everyone, regardless of their political beliefs, feels included and valued.
