---

Guest post by: Jennifer Loftus Become an Author

Tweet

---

---

October 31st will be here in a few short days. As it approaches, HR departments may be presented with an interesting challenge. Is it possible to celebrate Halloween at work without unintentionally upsetting some employees? Some may think the answer is no. However, with a look into the tradition and understanding why some employees may have concerns, it is possible to strike a balance between having a celebratory atmosphere with professionalism. Perhaps this year, your organization can come up with a creative way of meeting this challenge!

Brief History of Halloween

Some people may not be aware, but Halloween is actually an interesting combination of three different celebrations (http://www.infoplease.com/spot/halloween1.html). The name Halloween is actually a variation on the phrase All Hallows Eve. This was the day before All Saints Day, which is November 1st, hence why Halloween is always on the 31st. All Saints Day is a feast day to remember the saints and martyrs. All Souls Day follows on November 2nd. On this day, prayers are made on behalf of deceased loved ones. In some observances, the use of “soul cakes” is involved. These soul cakes, as well as different forms of alms, were given to the poor in exchange that they offer a prayer for the dead. In some areas, the poor would go “souling,” where they would go to the homes of the wealthy and ask for soul cakes and alms. Also around November 1st the Celtic festival Samhain was typically celebrated by Celtic observers. Because of the relatively closeness in dates, many believe that these activities were possibly moved up to promote conversion to the Christian religion. Regardless of the speculation, it does seem that the modern day observations of Halloween, such as trick- or- treating and jack-o-lantern traditions, may have borrowed from or been inspired by these ancient celebrations.

Why it May Appeal as a Celebration at Work

In order to promote a friendly organizational culture, many turn to small gatherings and celebrations. During these events, employees and employers get to know each other better, creating more effective working relationships. Halloween may be included as a nice celebration to include in an organization for many reasons. For example, if employees have children, some organizations may explore getting them involved in the celebration, whether it’s preparing a Jack-o-lantern or finding the perfect costume. Additionally, Halloween comes at a time of year that’s typically quieter than the November and December holiday rush. During these two months, workers will be busy preparing for family visits and shopping for gifts, which may make it difficult to make arrangements for an office gathering at the end of the year http://ezinearticles.com/?Fall-is-a-Great-Time-For-a-Small-Business-Or-Corporate-Halloween-Office-Party&id=1360619).

Objections?

Even with the appeal of having an organization enjoy the fun that often accompanies Halloween, some still may not want to partake. Take the example of an HR manager in Washington D.C. (http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m3495/is_10_45/ai_67414173/pg_2?tag=artBody;col1). After creating a Halloween-themed happy hour, she was shocked when two of the employees in the small firm refused to walk in the conference room, stating it would be “devil worship” if they partook. Human Resource professionals understandably try to avoid situations like these, and therefore avoid making relaxing gatherings such as office parties. It is also possible that an employee may request Halloween off as a religious observance. Additionally, others may feel as though the effort expended for a gathering is ‘frivolous.’ No matter the reason, it is clear that there is a need for sensitivity. Simply making such office functions an option can help reduce the possible awkwardness of workers not wanting to participate. Surely, these employees will appreciate not feeling obligated to participate if they have the option of not participating.

What to Consider if You Are Creating a Halloween Function

Besides making sure that an organizational function is employee sensitive, there are other legal things to consider when creating a Halloween function:

• Workplace Violence & Cyber Harassment
• Religious Accommodation and Time Away

Workplace Violence & Cyber Harassment - A 2000 article in HR Magazine (http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m3495/is_10_45/ai_67414173/pg_3?tag=artBody;col1) explained a scenario where a worker may come to work costumed, and perhaps carrying a toy weapon. This same article also suggested that a worker could send a “holiday” themed e-mail that may be considered Cyber harassment. To avoid both scenarios, HR managers should be sure to make clear outlines as to how workers should conduct themselves if costumes are allowed and if online participation will be involved. The function should be a time to relax and have fun, but also uphold the organization’s professionalism.

Religious Accommodation and Time Away - The same SHRM article also noted that some may wish to take the day off as a religious observance. Additionally, if your organization’s function permits employees’ children to participate, some may ask for time to gather their children in order for them to participate. HR professionals must be certain that the rules that apply to these situations are clearly defined and fair. Keep in mind that these same rules can be used in regards to other holidays or other office functions besides the one particular one that is being planned at the moment.

To Have a Halloween Celebration, or to Not Have a Halloween Celebration

In the end, the decision to have Halloween fun in your workplace is yours. It is important for an organization to come together and share laughs. How an HR professional plans to create these functions is entirely up to his or her creative notions. Perhaps throughout the year the organization can run different types of functions so employees who, for various reasons, may not want to participate in one function can still feel part of the group. Having a spontaneous luncheon to celebrate the end of a successful quarter, or a yearly spring picnic, can supplement as other functions the organization can adopt. In the end, as long as these sum total of these functions allow employees to come together as workmates, teammates, and friends, then the function has served its purpose.

Related Articles

  Have A Healthy Halloween
  It’s Halloween – What Costume Do You Wear to Work?
  Using flip page magazine for your halloween business
  The Spooky Rise Of Halloween
  4 Ways to Market a Seasonal Costume Site
  Halloween Howl Seven by Author Paige Agnew
  Numbers Show Employment Franchises Won't Slow Down
  7.5.5 Vocationalising the school curriculum: Institutional design and capacity building
  The Unwritten Employment Contract
  Waxitaxi, the taxi for your candels
  October To December Frames Up Puzzling Weather
  Government Releases Proposed Laws and Plan for National Employment Standards
  Fall real estate season in full swing for home stagers
  5.13 Gender: Working Out of Poverty
  Top 10 List to Avoid Litigation
  A Halloween Treat Does The Trick For Hilton and Me!
  Get More Clients by Being Remarkable and Different
  The Employment Tests Myth
  The Commission clarifies when a qualifying period ends
  Five Tips About Employment Verifications and Background Checks

Related Forum Posts

Re: Which would you rather do?
Re: MyDogSpace - For Dog Lovers
Re: How Not To Start A New Business
Re: Free Outsourcing Tools
And This is Handy Too!

Share this article. Fund someone's dream.

Newsletter

Get advice & tips from famous business
owners, new articles by entrepreneur
experts, my latest website updates, &
special sneak peaks at what's to come!

Name:
Email:

Popular Articles

Business Marketing Top 10 Ways To Get Noticed

The Many Types of Franchises

Bad Economy? Now is the Time to Buy a Business

Suggestions

Email us your ideas on how to make our
website more valuable! Thank you Sharon
from Toronto Salsa Lessons / Classes for
your suggestions to make the newsletter
look like the website and profile younger
entrepreneurs like Jennifer Lopez.