Halloween is tomorrow and many organizations, like ours, use this as an opportunity for teambuilding by wearing Halloween costumes and indulging in treats. Below are suggested guidelines for costumes that allow for creativity and professionalism while also being inclusive and respectful.
- Promote respect and inclusivity: Encourage employees to choose costumes that do not offend or marginalize any individual group. Ensure employees know that costumes should not be insensitive, sexually suggestive, or involve cultural appropriation or stereotypes about any community group or individual. The goal is for everyone to have fun while feeling safe and respected.
- Encourage creativity with boundaries: Encourage employees to be creative with their costumes while also setting boundaries. Provide examples for costume options to give employees an idea of what sort of costumes are expected. For example, you could suggest a costume based on your field of work. For a law firm this could be someone wearing a suit and a sign that says "lawsuit" (we love a good pun).
- Communicate dress code policies: Your organization’s dress code policies may still apply. Be sure to communicate with employees how these guidelines could be applied to Halloween costumes.
- Communicate the consequences: Clearly state the consequences of violating costume guidelines to maintain a positive and respectful atmosphere,
Have a safe, fun and happy Halloween!
Bernardi Human Resource Law LLP
Legal Counsel at Department of Justice Canada | Ministère de la Justice du Canada
1 年And if I could suggest a fifth criteria to an already very helpful article, organizations need to figure a path to being be ok with non-participation in Halloween if it is not in keeping with the employee’s beliefs, values or lifestyle to avoid “forced expression” for the sake of teambuilding. Always a fine line:)