December is a time to breathe a sigh of relief as we finish a year of accomplishments. The beautiful lights, music, decorations and parties create a fun and festive atmosphere as workplaces around the world celebrate multiple holidays. To quote a familiar holiday song, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year” – perhaps, unless you’re in HR. 
Just about every HR professional has experienced both hope and headaches during the holiday season. The “fun” starts right around Thanksgiving when the cubicle decorations start to go up and culminates with the office holiday party.
Religious and cultural traditions and decorations can spark complaints. Sprinkle in increased levels of absenteeism, online shopping sprees and office parties with alcohol (what two-drink maximum?) and you’ve got the perfect HR holiday storm. And that’s even before the snow starts falling.
Considering all the issues that organizations will encounter during the holiday season, it’s important that HR communicate guidelines that will help keep the peace.
Please join @shrmnextchat at 3 p.m. ET on November 30 for #Nextchat with special guest employment attorney Jonathan Segal (@jonathan_hr_law). We’ll chat about how HR can maximize the joy and minimize the risk during the holidays.
Q1. As an HR professional, what are your biggest concerns about the holidays?
Q2. Words matter. What does your organization call its office party? What about greetings, cards, etc.?
Q3. How can employers maximize inclusion during the holidays recognizing that “all-inclusive” may not be possible?
Q4. What are some effective practices in maximizing inclusion when it comes to holiday decorations?
Q5. What steps can you take to minimize harassment and safety risks if you serve alcohol at your office holiday party?
Q6. Aside from alcohol, what are the DOs and DON'Ts for office holiday parties?
Q7. What gifts are considered appropriate—or inappropriate--for a colleague? For a subordinate?
Q8. How do you infuse charity into the holiday celebration at your workplace?
Q9. What wish do you have for all of your employees as we approach a New Year?
If you missed this #Nextchat, you can read the RECAP with all the tweets here.
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