12 Workplace Tips For The 12 Days Of Christmas

Whether your employees believe it's "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year," or they're lamenting a "Blue Christmas," employers should remember some employee issues during this holiday season. Here are some tips:

Not everyone celebrates Christmas ("I Have a Little Dreidel"). As American companies continue to embrace diversity, employees may need to be reminded that not everyone celebrates the same holidays. Beware of flammable holiday décor ("Deck the Halls"). Employers owe a duty to provide a safe environment for employees and must not subject them to unreasonable risk. Make sure that holiday decorations do not violate any local laws (think fire code). Consider possible employee allergy issues before setting up a live Christmas tree. Your employee may want a part-time Santa gig ("Here Comes Santa Claus"). Some employees seek additional employment during the holiday season to handle the extra expenses. If you have a moonlighting policy, follow it carefully and consistently. Make time for holiday shopping ("Silver Bells"). It may be cost-effective and morale boosting to set aside some out of office time for employees to holiday shop. If you do, remember to treat all similarly-situated employees the same and note that any exception to the acceptable use policy for technology (i.e. – online shopping) should be in writing, given to all employees, and consistently enforced. 'Tis the season to sneeze ("Let It Snow"). Employee illnesses can increase with weather fluctuations, wintery mixes, more time indoors, and holiday stress. Reminding employees of leave policies can combat germ spreading and paycheck surprises when they exceed their accrued paid leave. Crime rises in December ("The Grinch Theme"). Remind employees to be extra vigilant about unfamiliar faces in or around the office premises, to use any available security services, to stay alert and off the phone while walking to their cars, and to secure their purses and wallets in the office. Holiday parties can be fun, with the right precautions ("Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree"). Do what you can to keep things fun, but professional. If serving alcohol, give limited drink tickets (and advise they are not transferable) or perhaps offer a specialty cocktail that is more fun than intoxicating. Some employers offer door prize drawings for which only designated drivers are eligible. If you are going to have music, give the DJ or band a suggested play list of appropriate, fun songs. On top of...

To continue reading

Request your trial

VLEX uses login cookies to provide you with a better browsing experience. If you click on 'Accept' or continue browsing this site we consider that you accept our cookie policy. ACCEPT