By
Jeanette Coleman, SPHR & SHRM-SCP
on
Dec
17,
2024
4 min read
0 comment(s)
The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration and cheer—but for small businesses, it’s also a time to be mindful of workplace policies and legal considerations.
To keep the season merry and bright (and free of legal headaches), here’s a comprehensive checklist to ensure your holiday activities stay compliant and fun for everyone.
Creating a festive atmosphere in your workplace can lift spirits and bring a sense of warmth to the season. However, holiday decorations need to be handled carefully to remain inclusive and avoid legal missteps.
According to the U.S. Supreme Court and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), certain decorations are considered secular symbols.
These include:
These symbols are generally safe to display in the workplace, even if some employees object.
Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, employers are required to reasonably accommodate an employee’s religious observances, provided it doesn’t cause undue hardship to the business.
If you deny a religious accommodation, you must demonstrate that it creates a significant burden, such as:
Most requests during the holidays—like shift changes or vacation days—are reasonable and easy to grant. Being flexible goes a long way in fostering goodwill.
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Holiday gift exchanges can be a fun tradition, but they come with important boundaries.
Company holiday parties are a great way to celebrate, but without clear guidelines, they can lead to unwanted legal consequences. Use these tips to keep the event festive and compliant:
Serving alcohol at company events requires careful planning to reduce risks.
Consider holding a weekday, daytime event where alcohol expectations are lower, and employees are less likely to overindulge.
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Despite your best efforts, incidents can happen. Whether it’s inappropriate behavior, excessive drinking, or harassment, you must respond swiftly and consistently:
The holiday season is a time for celebration, but without clear policies and proactive planning, festive activities can expose your business to legal risks. From inclusive decorations to managing alcohol at company parties, every detail matters. Axcet HR Solutions helps small and mid-sized businesses navigate these challenges with expert HR compliance support, ensuring your holiday celebrations are both joyful and legally sound.
🎄 Partner with Axcet to develop comprehensive holiday policies that protect your business and promote a positive workplace culture.
Happy Holidays from the Axcet HR Solutions team!
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