Should You Allow Halloween Costumes at Work?

Allowing Halloween costumes at work is no doubt a fun way to give your employees a break from the stresses of the day-to-day. However, showing up to work on October 31^st to find an office full of risqué and offensive costumes is a nightmare of potential discrimination and/or harassment claims just waiting to happen. So is it worth the risk? That depends on your business and can only be answered on a case-by-case basis. Take some time to think through these points below and determine which route you’ll take in order to avoid any scary situations this Halloween.

Understand the legal risks

Though the idea of letting employees dress up for the day may seem innocent enough, doing so could raise certain legal concerns including discrimination, harassment, and workplace violence. For example, employers could be held liable for problems that stem from Halloween costumes that are sexually provocative, carry a political or social message, and so on. It’s important that you spend some time discussing this topic with your lawyer or HR representative so that you’re fully informed and able to promote a safe (and legal) environment for all your employees.

Create a policy & communicate guidelines

Whether or not you decide to allow costumes, creating a detailed policy on the subject is a must. Simply stating that employees should “use good taste and judgment” may not be enough. Instead, clearly define what types of costumes and props, if any, are appropriate. Once your policy is defined and approved by your HR team, determine how you will communicate these rules to your staff so that everyone is on the same page come October 31^st.

Remember that participation is optional

According to Hawaii Labor and Employment law, employees are not required to attend holiday parties, which include Halloween events. Any Halloween participation – whether dressing up in a costume or showing up to a pumpkin carving event – should always be voluntary. If you decide to allow costumes or host Halloween festivities, ensure that it is easy and comfortable for your employees to opt-out, if they choose.

Be prepared to discipline

If you’re allowing costumes, it’s safe to assume that at least one employee will step outside the lines, even if unintentionally. Make sure that your entire leadership team understands the costume policy and what wardrobe options are not allowed. Furthermore, be certain that all discipline is applied consistently and according to what is described in your Halloween costume policy.

Halloween can be a tricky time of year for employers. If after considering your options you determine that Halloween costumes aren’t something you want to deal with, keep in mind that there are alternative ways to celebrate. For example, allowing children of employees to trick-or-treat in the workplace or holding a company potluck. Whatever you decide, by taking the time to review your options and plan with your HR team, you’ll be prepared to enjoy the day without any issues.