For some businesses, Halloween is not just another day at the office. These organizations see it as an opportunity to energize the workplace and build company spirit. Need some celebration inspiration? Take cues from these organizations:
Dressing up
At Fingerpaint Marketing in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., festivities are led and planned by a social committee.
A highlight is the annual costume contest; employees are encouraged to work in teams and are judged in categories such as scariest, funniest and most original. Prizes are awarded at a party at day’s end. Notes Danielle Saladino-Evans from corporate communications, “It’s a chance for different specialties to work together, communicate in new ways and, for some, to showcase unknown talents.”
She adds, “There’s a commitment to uncommon collaboration between teams, and it brings a childlike exuberance and enthusiasm into the office.”
The highly competitive contest at TIER|10 headquarters in Herndon, Va., features 150 employees vying to win gift certificates for best costumes.
The group costume category builds the most morale and teamwork, says public relations manager Xavier Villarmarzo.
“Last year we had a group dressed as characters from the movie ‘Office Space,’ including one team member covered in Post-it notes,” he says. “We also had another group that came as TMZ photographers, who set up the main entrance of the office with a red carpet and followed those who entered with a camera. They would later release the candid stills and videos to the entire office.”
Other activities
• Pumpkins and other symbols of the holiday can add a festive touch. Consider holding a “best decorated department” contest.
• From an array of orange snacks (cantaloupe slices, cupcakes, cheddar cheese wedges) to bowls of fun-size candy bars, treats can get employees out of their cubicles and mingling.
• For a grown-up spin, provide bottles of pumpkin beer for an early “Happy Hour” for employees.
Avoid a frightening lawsuit this Halloween
If you allow or encourage employees to wear costumes in the workplace on Halloween, tive them a friendly reminder to avoid these types of costumes:
1. Sexy/revealing. Employees should skip the sexy costume aisle of the local party store, and bypass the naughty nurse and French maid outfits. And don’t forget to warn against the costumes that may not be considered “naughty,” but that bare too much skin for the workplace (e.g., Wonder Woman). This goes for male employees, too: no shirtless Tarzans or Incredible Hulks, no togas with nothing (or just underwear) underneath.
2. In poor taste. Remember the flak Prince Harry received for dressing up like a Nazi? Make controversial figures off-limits. Also put the kibosh on depictions of tragic events.
3. Provocative/divisive. With a presidential election just around the corner, Obama and Romney masks are sure to be popular. Are you confident that your workforce is mature enough that an “Obama” and a “Romney” won’t come to (verbal) blows over their political differences? Definitely forbid an Obama supporter from dressing as Romney (and vice versa) when the intent is to ridicule or disparage.
4. Potentially discriminatory. Portraying someone of a different race is fraught with the potential to offend. Just say no. However, if an employee shows they know enough not to cross the line, then give a thumbs up. For example, a white employee who wants to wear a Michael Jordan jersey and carry a basketball around is perfectly acceptable.
5. Based on a boss or co-worker. If an employee really wants to go this route, require that he or she gets the boss’s or co-worker’s approval ahead of time. Otherwise, hurt feelings may result. It’s one thing to pay homage to a colleague who is known for favoring bow ties, but it’s wholly another to poke fun at someone by focusing on their weight or their out-of-style apparel, for example.
