’Tis the season for tasty treats, holiday parties and decorating. As you celebrate the holidays at work, be sure to follow your company’s workspace guidelines. Here are some common ones:
Food
Cookies, pies, gingerbread, candies. The temptations will be endless. Remember to:
- Keep food in common spaces.
- Keep containers tightly covered.
- Clean up and clear food daily to avoid pest-control issues.
Holiday decorations
Decorating your workspace is OK, but not all items are permitted since they can be a fire hazard or create issues with pests, housekeeping and air quality.
Do use:
- Artificial and fire-retardant decorations
Don’t use:
- Live evergreens (wreaths, boughs or Christmas trees)
- Lit candles
- Dried corn stalks
- Bales of hay/ straw/ leaves
- Poly or plastic bags (e.g. black garbage bags) used for decorative themes
- Fabric or seasonal decorative wrap on cubicle walls, office doors or hard walls
- Items of any type hanging from the ceiling or ceiling grid
- Fog machines
- Electrical or battery-powered lights of any type
Also, don’t use any kind of tape or other adhesives that can damage paint and flooring.
Gifts and entertainment
As the season unfolds, you may receive gifts from customers, vendors or business partners. Be familiar with your company’s Gifts and Entertainment Policy, as the exchange or acceptance of even nominal gifts can imply intention of receiving favorable treatment. A company’s way of conducting business should never appear to present a conflict of interest
Enjoy the season adhering to standards that promote a clean, safe and respected workspace.
