Halloween is serious business. According to CNBC, who published statistics from a Harris Poll, Americans spend about $15 billion on Halloween. Halloween has obviously become a huge part of our culture, including at work.
There’s no better example of this than the office Halloween party. It’s that time of year again, so it seemed like a good time to review some basic common sense tips for your office Halloween party.
After all, you still have a job to do, and you work too hard the rest of the year to let a few bad judgment calls with your costume derail your career.
So we’ve put together some tips to help you avoid any embarrassment at your company’s celebration. A lot of these might seem obvious, but isn’t there always someone who should’ve known better?
1. You still have to work
Can you wear your costume all day? Or would it be better to change into it for the party? Remember to take a look at the rest of your calendar – do you have any meetings for which you may not want to be in full costume? Also, does your costume allow you to perform your job functions?
2. Keep It Clean
If you have been to a Halloween store lately, surely you noticed that somewhere along the line, costumes took a turn towards the provocative. It shouldn’t have to be said, but anything “sexy” isn’t work appropriate. If there is even a question in your mind, wear something else.
3. Get involved, but respect others who choose not to participate
You may have to exit your comfort zone to wear a silly costume to work, but it can be worth it to show you’re part of the team. By the same token, only about 60% of us celebrate the holiday, and some of those that don’t have religious or cultural reasons for not taking part. Don’t make them feel bad for that.
4. Avoid political or religious costumes
Do you know your coworker’s political views? How about your boss? And any clients that may be stopping by? Why take a chance on inviting controversy?
5. Turn off the howling candy dish
You know the motion activated ones where the arm comes up and screams every time someone walks by? Yeah, it’s funny once or twice, and then it’s just annoying. You shouldn’t annoy your coworkers.
7. Go easy on the gore, glitter, etc.
You don’t want to scare people, make them queasy while eating chili, or otherwise leave a mess behind.
8. When it’s over, it’s over
Don’t be the person that doesn’t know when to leave the party. When the holiday is over, put everything away until next year.
Hopefully these tips help. Have fun at your office’s party. And If you have any Halloween office party nightmare stories, please head over to this post on our Facebook page and tell us about it in the comments.
Bonus: here’s a funny video from Fast Company about the same topic:
