We understand it’s the one day of the year when the normal rules about what to wear to work may not necessarily apply, but inevitably, people end up inadvertently crossing lines that may offend or insult their coworkers. So without taking all the fun out of dressing up or celebrating, here are some tips about costumes and decorations.
Don’t wear a costume that’s too revealing or sexually provocative/suggestive. There are plenty of cute, fun Halloween costumes out there but work is not the place to dress up as a naughty nurse or a sexy … anything. Your co-workers shouldn’t see any more of your body or skin at work than they do at any other time. Likewise, men should not wear anything sexually suggestive. No matter how funny you think it is, work-related events are not the time to joke about it.
Don’t wear a costume that related to racist themes or ethnic groups. Costumes that are depictions of another ethnic group are not OK, and neither is dressing up as a member of any group that has been oppressed. That means, for example, American Indian or geisha costumes should be avoided. Likewise blackface is widely understood in the U.S. to be offensive, so steer clear of that and any other racially insensitive Halloween costumes. It doesn’t matter if you’re “just kidding”… just don’t.
Don’t ask others why they didn’t dress up. Not everyone enjoys dressing up for Halloween, and some religious groups (or individuals) do not celebrate holidays (or Halloween specifically). Sometimes it seems harmless to poke fun at people who don't dress up for “not getting into the spirit” but if someone didn’t dress up, he or she certainly doesn't want to be given a hard time about it – and their reason for not participating is none of your business.
Don’t wear a costume or makeup that is truly horrifying. Understandably the thought of Halloween brings ideas of ghosts, ghouls and goblins but wearing exceptionally frightening costumes or masks can be truly disturbing to some people. Likewise, you don’t want to wear something so graphic that it could gross out your co-workers.
Don’t wear a costume to work that would make it difficult to interact with others or would become a safety issue. Be cautious of masks or costumes that would interfere with your general activities or interactions with others. As fun as dressing up for Halloween can be, your main goal at work is still to get work done. Likewise, if your costume could become a safety hazard (if you work with certain machinery, around open flames, etc.) you should consider bowing out of the costume contest. If your costume is interfering with work, it might be better saved for an after-work party.
Some employers also allow employees to decorate their workspaces or participate in other fun activities which should also include similar guidance:
The above tips are not just about courtesy, decency and safety, although those are certainly important. Employers have a legal responsibility to ensure their workplaces don’t constitute a hostile environment for employees on the basis of protected classes, which include race, ethnicity, gender and national origin.
Absent inappropriate costumes, most holiday party misconduct is related to over-consumption of alcohol. If you choose to serve alcohol at your party, consider these tips:
While you can’t completely eliminate the risk of liability arising from parties, by planning appropriately you can reduce liability – and continue to celebrate!