10.17.24
By Jennifer Jacobus, PHRca, SDEA CEO 
Halloween is a fun and festive time, but for small employers and HR professionals, it can also bring potential challenges—especially when it comes to dress code policies. As employees get creative with costumes, companies may find themselves facing tricky situations. From revealing outfits to offensive themes, the line between fun and professionalism can blur quickly.
The Costume Conundrum
Encouraging employees to dress up for Halloween can boost morale and foster team spirit. However, costumes that don’t align with company values or dress codes may lead to unintended consequences, including workplace disruptions, harassment claims, or even damage to the company’s image.
Common Challenges:
- Inappropriate or offensive costumes: Costumes that are too revealing, or play on cultural, racial, or gender stereotypes, can create uncomfortable situations or cause offense.
- Safety concerns: Some costumes may violate safety policies, especially in workplaces with physical or hazardous work environments.
- Dress code violations: If your company has a professional or business-casual dress code, some costumes may push the boundaries of what’s acceptable.
Tips for a Fun and Policy-Friendly Halloween:
- Clear Guidelines: Remind employees of existing dress code policies and how they apply to Halloween. Offer specific examples of what’s not acceptable (e.g., anything too revealing, offensive themes, or costumes that compromise safety).
- Theme Days: Provide costume themes that are safe and appropriate, such as “decade day” or “favorite fictional characters,” to avoid controversial topics.
- Opt-In Participation: Make dressing up optional and stress that employees not participating should still adhere to the usual dress code.
- Inclusive Fun: Foster an environment of inclusion by ensuring costumes respect diversity and are considerate of all cultural backgrounds.
- Manager Oversight: Encourage managers to review costumes for appropriateness before employees interact with clients or the public.
By striking a balance between fun and professionalism, you can ensure that Halloween is more of a treat than a trick for your workplace!
For more “spooky” HR Stories, join us for a fun Roundtable, Scary HR Stories on October 31. In addition, our special guest, Kari Naimon – an HR/AI Evangelist – will give you a quick overview of Artificial Intelligence in the workplace, including how to avoid AI integration nightmares. To register, click here.