Halloween isn't just an excuse for kids to play dress up and consume too much candy anymore — it's also a great reason for a little team building and fun in your workplace.
Never made a big deal of the holiday before? Maybe this is the year to start. Even if Halloween is already a tradition in your office and you think you're a pro, read on for ways to make this year's celebration just a little more spook-tacular.
1. Check with HR first
Before you even begin planning festivities, check with your human resources department to find out what's allowed. Can employees wear costumes? Is it OK to have an in-office luncheon or breakfast? What about decorations? How disruptive is the celebration allowed to be — or not?
You don't want to overstep company policy, so finding out all these answers up front is in your best interest.
2. Get creative with costumes
Do away with the business dress code for one day and allow employees to wear a costume to work. But let employees know what's appropriate and what isn't.
Will you allow "sexy" or gory costumes, or more workplace-appropriate getups only? You don't want anyone getting sent home to change because they "didn't know," so be sure to communicate what’s expected.
A department- or company-wide costume theme can add to the fun, as well as costume contest with categories such as most creative, scariest, funniest and best overall.
3. Keep it festive
Don't forget the decorations. Halloween is just one day, so the bigger the better, right? Pumpkins, fake spiders, skeletons and spider webs — you get the idea. Just be aware of avoiding fire hazards — like with putting decorations on the ceiling.
As always, check with HR first.
4. Include food
No holiday celebration is complete without some delicious treats. Planning a Halloween-themed breakfast or lunch potluck is the perfect opportunity for a bit of employee camaraderie. Or consider treating employees to a catered lunch on the company, if you can.
And don't forget to bring in a few sweets — candy from the boss is a great way to show your appreciation for all they do.
5. Don't make it mandatory
Some people just don't celebrate Halloween. This often stems from faith or other personal reasons, but don't shove anything on them if they aren't comfortable dressing up or participating to any extent. But the good news is that most employees are likely to be a good sport and partake willingly, even if it's not their favorite holiday.
6. Wrap it up early
Employees will definitely appreciate being letting out of work a little early.
Many people will want to get home early anyway to take the kids trick-or-treating, while others will undoubtedly want to continue the celebration with a happy hour or get-together at a nearby establishment. Just make sure they know to keep it classy since booze will likely be involved, and they're still representing the company.
Above all, don't get so caught up in the details of planning and HR policies that you forget to have fun. More than a holiday, Halloween is a time for team spirit and community in your office. And that's a great thing any day of the year.
