Tips to make the workplace festive

By Brian Maynor

 

Tis the season to be jolly!

To say the holiday season is festive would be an understatement, but how do you know when it’s too much?

Some companies throw caution to the wind and decorate the workspace from top to bottom; while others choose not to display any festive décor, but most try to find a happy middle ground.  However, with so many holidays going on this time of year, and a diverse workforce, it can be a bit stressful deciding exactly how to express holiday cheer so everyone feels included.

As we tend to wind down personally and get distracted by life this time of year, office morale is more important than ever, because professionally we want to make a strong finish to the year.  Expressing seasonal cheer can go a long way to boost that morale.

Here are a few tips to bring some appropriate festive flare to the office:

1.   Lights and tree.  If there is room, putting up a tree and hanging some lights around the office can be both a fun group project and bring in a touch of the holidays.  Even if you choose not to decorate the tree with ornaments.  Sometimes a simple token is all we need to remind us of the season.

2.    Allow personal decorations.  Some companies subscribe to a “clean desk policy” during the year as a way of maintaining productivity levels, but allowing a few personal desk decorations can make the space feel festive and we feel festive too.  It’s also a great way to celebrate the diversity of the season.  Now this doesn’t mean you can’t set limits.  A little guidance is always a good thing, as is telling someone when they’ve gone a bit too far.

3.    Organize a holiday sweater day.  This is a great way to enjoy the fun of the season and engage everyone at the same time.  Whether you choose a theme or just let people wear their favorite one it doesn’t matter.  It celebrates the season and makes everyone happy.

4.    Centralize confections.  It wouldn’t be the holidays without having cakes, cookies, candies, breads and other treats abound, but it can also be a bit overwhelming.  One way to corral the holiday treats is to place them in a central location, say in a break room or a conference room.  That way not only does everyone have equal access to the sweets, it will help regulate how much time is spent congregating and socializing as opposed to working.

The holidays are supposed to be fun, festive and enjoyable, but at work there are still missions, deadlines and goals to achieve.  Luckily the two can happily coexist with a little flexibility and guidance.

 

 

I’m always excited to hear from you, so please email your questions, quandaries and conundrums to [email protected].

 

About Brian Maynor

Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.

 

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