Halloween provides a perfect opportunity to dress-up and have fun with co workers, and even to host a Halloween themed party where employee’s families can enjoy desk trick-or-treating, pumpkin-carving and judging costumes.

But Halloween also presents an opportunity for employees to use poor judgment in their choice of costume and behavior.  Employers should not assume that employees will use good sense, so it’s always good to send out a reminder of what is and isn’t acceptable.  We want employees to be mindful of the company culture and take care not to wear something that would embarrass or unintentionally offend customers or coworkers. 

So please share these do’s and don’ts

Don’ts to Avoid

• Sexually themed costumes such as “a flasher”, a stripper;   or provocative/revealing outfits.
• Anything involving blackface, Nazis or white supremacists.
• Religious or political themes.  That means don’t dress up as a pregnant nun, a politician, or a terrorist.
• Too much gore and violence.  Like any costume that involves (even remotely) realistic-looking weapons of any kind, including swords but specially firearms.

Good rule of thumb, would you be comfortable standing in front of your grandmother?

Do’s

Be practical and safe.  Don’t wear something that’s so elaborate, messy or noisy that it’s unsafe or annoying.

Be tasteful.  According to People magazine and Amazon, some inappropriate 2018 costumes include:

• An inflatable, giant “poop” emoji. (I admit that’s funny, but not at work).
• A Bill Cosby costume that depicts the comedian hauling away an unconscious woman.
• Celebrities who have recently died of an overdose.

Be family friendly.  Characters based on cartoons, animation, or Disney stories are usually safe.  As are Wild West and 1950’s themes.

Be a good sport.  Don’t take yourself too seriously.   Participate even if you aren’t motivated to get into an elaborate costume, simply  wearing a silly hat or Groucho Marx glasses, will do.

Conversely, don’t be the pushy Halloween ambassador going around pressuring co-workers who would rather not participate.

So, enjoy the chance to be silly and have fun with your coworkers and their families.

©Copyright Eva Del Rio

Eva Del Rio is creator of HR Box™ – tools for small businesses and startups. Send questions to Eva@evadelrio.com