With the fall and winter holidays quickly approaching, many offices are bringing out their decorations to lift spirits for the seasons. It's also the time for the annual argument of what's appropriate, if anything.
Problems generally arise when there are differing opinions of what’s suitable and whose holiday should be celebrated. Since Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits workplace discrimination based on religion, national origin, race, color or sex, it’s important to know about all of the holidays that are surrounding us in the next couple of months.
"December is the month when most religious discrimination claims originate," said Richard Meneghello, the managing partner of the Portland law office of Fisher & Phillips LLP. Meneghello also says “religion-related claims are the fastest-growing charges filed with the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EOCC).”
There are so many differences to keep in mind, but don't get discouraged. It is possible to decorate your workplace and create joy, instead of the opposite. But how? Take these few points into consideration:
- Human resources: Before you consider decorating for the holidays, check with your HR department and see if there are any decor guidelines implemented for your workplace. If there are, there may be specific rules and regulations that you need to follow.
- Choosing decorations: Steer clear from anything that implies religious beliefs. You're decorating to bring people together, so you don’t want anyone to feel uncomfortable. Nature is always a safe choice; use a vase of seasonal flowers and greenery. With that, snowmen are also a neutral seasonal icon. If you want to put religion into the mix, just make sure you allow for all religious holidays to be viewed through your decor. Edible decor is always an easy take on the holidays. Bowls and baskets of sweet treats throughout your office space will have your employees and customers cheerful. With that said, if you’d rather go on the healthy side, use fresh seasonal fruits. These also make great centerpieces.
- Functionality: Don't let your decorations hinder your ability to work. The use of music or other noises might prevent your employees from concentrating. For example: the typical Halloween candy dish with a motion sensor of a witch that laughs will quickly become annoying.
- Safety: As always, safety is the key factor in any decor. Turn all electric decorations off a night, don't use too many extension cords, always use indoor lighting instead of exterior, and don't use candles with a live flame.
“The EEOC notes that company holiday decorations do not need to be avoided simply because someone objects to them on religious grounds. Moreover, employers are not required to allow additional holiday decorations associated with other religions," Meneghello says.
With most of our time spent working, it’s not a surprise that many want to liven up the daily office grind with some fun seasonal decor, so start breaking out the tinsel and garland this holiday season.
