Halloween in the Workplace: Tips for Human Resources

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Permitting employees to celebrate the spirit of Halloween in the workplace can be a fun morale booster.  A few simple tips for Human Resources can help minimize employment-related risks:

1.  If you allow employees to wear costumes, establish clear and specific policies regarding the dress code.  Examples of unacceptable costumes might include those that:


  • are inappropriately skin-revealing, or include rips or tears that are inappropriately skin revealing; 
  • include special effects,  such as fake blood, oozing fluids, or body parts (think current zombie craze);
  • include props that could be upsetting to patrons or guests, such as fake knives, guns or other weapons; 
  • include strobe-type lighting that could trigger seizures in some people;
  • cover the employee's entire face and mouth (unless there is a legitimate medical or religious exception); 
  • could be construed as derogatory toward any religious or social group (but be mindful of rules prohibiting expressions of union support).
2.  If you host or otherwise sanction an after-hours Halloween party, establish rules about the service of alcohol.  If you permit alcohol, let employees know the company expects them to exercise good judgment and discretion, and refrain from drinking alcohol in excess or driving under the influence.  Remind managers to watch for signs of excessive drinking, and never knowingly allow an intoxicated employee to drive home.

3.  Take employee complaints seriously, particularly if an employee complains he or she is offended by another employee's costume.  

4.  Tell employees the consequences of violating the policies you set, and enforce the policies.

These simple tips could be the difference between a horrible and a happy Halloween.


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