Spooky Season at Work: Don’t Be the HR Ghost That Haunts Your Employees! ??

Ah, Spooky Season? - October is finally here, and you know what that means: pumpkin spice everything (if you are basic, lol), HR-approved costume debates, and the annual “can we please carve pumpkins in the breakroom” question. But as a modern HR leader (read: not your grandma’s HR), I’m here to tell you: we are not babysitting adults in this office. There’s no need for the HR Grim Reaper to emerge and start slashing through the fun like it’s a horror movie.

But while we’re cool, we’re not trying to turn the office into a haunted house of chaos either. So let’s talk about how to survive Spooky Season at work without treating employees like they’re back in kindergarten.

1. Costumes: Keep It Fun, Not a Lawsuit

Yes, we love costumes. No, we don’t love inappropriate costumes. We don’t need HR to become the costume police, but let’s be real: that “Sexy Accountant” outfit is one bad decision away from a very awkward Monday meeting. Use common sense, people. And if you're dressing as Erika from accounting… maybe don’t. Erika works here.

HR tip: Instead of throwing out rules like we’re living in the 1700s, encourage people to be funny and creative without being offensive. And for the love of pumpkin spice, leave the blood and gore at home - we’re trying to close deals here, not make clients faint.

2. Office Decorations: Keep It Spooky, Not OSHA-Worthy

Go ahead, deck out your cubicles with spider webs and skeletons, but do we really need the fog machine that triggers the fire alarm? We don’t need anyone calling 911 because someone thought it would be hilarious to turn the break room into a literal crypt.

Also, if you’re hanging cobwebs, let’s make sure no one’s getting tangled in them during their Zoom calls. Nothing says “professional” like fighting your way through a fake spider infestation to deliver a project update.

3. The Candy Situation: Don’t Be the Monster

Look, Halloween candy is a must. But let’s not pretend we’re Willy Wonka and dump 30 pounds of sugar into the office. Balance, people. We’re not kids hyped up on candy corn anymore (or at least, I hope not). Side note: If you hoard all the Reese’s cups, everyone will know. Don’t be that person.

4. Pumpkin Carving: Is It Really Necessary?

Every year someone asks: “Can we carve pumpkins in the break room?” And every year I say: “Do you want to carve pumpkins or do you want to work in an office that doesn’t smell like rotting squash?” Be honest.

If your team insists, I’m not going to stand in the way of your gourd-based fun, but let’s at least agree that all carving should take place outside. No one wants to accidentally turn their laptop into a pumpkin puree machine.

5. The Office Halloween Party: Keep It Chill

We’re all for having a good time, but there’s a fine line between a fun office party and what HR likes to call a “career-ending decision.” Yes, have a couple of drinks, but no one wants to be the guy who ends up on TikTok for the wrong reasons.

Also, remember: you’ve got to see these people every day. Keep it classy enough that you can still look them in the eye on November 1st without cringing.

6. Avoiding the HR Scare Tactics

Let’s skip the HR horror stories this Halloween. We’re not here to micromanage your fun or hit you with a 57-slide PowerPoint about costume safety (we don’t believe in that kind of HR anyway). Instead, we’re here to remind you: you’re an adult, act like one. Enjoy Spooky Season, keep it respectful, and don’t be that person who haunts the office with bad behavior.

Happy Halloween, and remember: HR is watching... but in a cool, not-creepy way.

Stay spooky, stay smart. ??