Have you been considering a Halloween party at your office? They can be a blast and can help build employee relationships and enhance company culture. But it is easy to get carried away with tricks and treats. It’s important to remember the do’s and don’ts of celebrating Halloween in the workplace.
Do be considerate of the workday. Costumes, over-the-top makeup, and wigs are a great way to celebrate throughout the workday, but remember that there is still work to do. Wear a costume that can comfortably be worn throughout the day with a little modification, or bring a change of clothes if there is a chance you will be called out for a client meeting.
Don’t wear inappropriate costumes. For the office Halloween celebration, be sure to pick something out that is G-rated. Clothing that is too revealing, too scary, or too bulky can leave a bad impression on coworkers. Wear something tasteful that is sure not to cross the line on being offensive.
Do take time to enjoy games and treats. No Halloween party is complete without a few fun games. Round up your staff for a game of Halloween Bingo. Employees will be encouraged to communicate with each other to fill in the bingo squares. You could also have a costume contest where employees vote for each other. Invite everyone to bring in and share their favorite desserts and candies.
Don’t forget you have responsibilities. It can be easy to get carried away in all the fun and socializing, but if your Halloween festivities are hosted during the workday, it’s important to remember your job tasks. Be sure to answer phone calls and emails in a timely manner. Take care of your job tasks in between activities.
Do include everyone, but don’t force those who would rather not participate. Everyone celebrates differently. When inviting everyone to participate in the fall festivities, make sure you are offering, but not insisting that they participate. It is important to respect everyone's customs and religious views.
Do put up tasteful decorations. When decorating for Halloween, remember to use good judgement. Shy away from goory or spooky decorations and opt for something more family friendly. Scarecrows, pumpkins, and other symbols of fall are a great alternative to blood and guts. Try not to decorate with noisy or motion activated decorations.
Don’t over glitter. Some decorations leave behind unwanted residue and glittery anything is a maintenance nightmare. No one wants to pick flecks of glitter from their clothing or vacuum it out of the carpet when the fun is over.
Do help clean up. Grab a trash bag and help throw away the party cups and empty food trays. Cleaning up after the party is part of the deal. Be a good sport and help your team get the office back to normal to ensure that things are ready for business as usual on November 1st.
Halloween is a great time to bond with coworkers, share delicious snacks, and wear creative costumes. Nothing like a Halloween party to bring out the kid in all of us.
What are some other celebration Do's and Don'ts to keep in mind at your office Halloween party?