Many workplaces really get into the Holiday festivities with parties, gift giving and a variety of celebrations.
While this is fine it is important to be mindful of those who have traditions that may be quite different from the Holiday culture at work.
We need to be respectful of our co-worker’s choice of how they choose to or not to celebrate the Holiday Season. Having a conversation prior to the Holidays is a good way to find out where people stand on the Holiday issue and what is comfortable for them at work to do.
Even though many enjoy the Holiday Spirit we need to remember we are at work to work and even though this is a wonderful time of the year your employer is counting on you to not fall behind.
Here are a few Holiday in the office tips:
If you are going to bring goodies, it is a nice thing to ask co-workers if they have any food allergies. Bringing peanut butter goodies to work where someone is highly allergic can set off an anaphylactic episode if they even touch something that has peanuts in it without their knowledge.
If you are a “health conscious” person make fruit or veggie treats.
Are there a lot of bakers at your workplace? Take turns and have a sign-up sheet so goodies don’t go to waste.
If there is someone at work that you have cultivated a relationship with and you want to give them a gift, do it outside of the workplace.
If you are a manager or boss and want to give gifts to your employees give the same to everyone unless it is considered a bonus and calculated on production, merit or time on the job. Whether you like it or not employees talk.
The Christmas Holiday season also is celebrating the end of another year. It is a wonderful opportunity to sit down with your co-workers to reflect how the past year went at work and set up goals and a vision for what you would like to accomplish in the New Year ahead.
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