Valentines Day is a time when you may be questioning and how you can celebrate the holiday in the workplace without receiving those awkward glances, or a call down to HR the day after Valentines Day. Don’t stress I have some quick Do’s and Taboos which will guarantee you are following the proper workplace etiquette and help you to navigate through the most romantic day of the year while keeping your professional reputation in tact.
DO spread the love evenly. Don’t just give to some and not to others. Whether you decide to celebrate with treats, or simply a card, treat everyone equally. Just like love itself, it’s all or nothing here.
TABOO . . Even though it is a happy day, don’t be over-zealous in your celebrating. Remember, your actions may be viewed as flirting. This could make the receiver of your affections, or your co-workers uncomfortable.
DO harness those emotions. It may not be your happiest Valentines day, but please refrain from breaking into the “ugly cry” whenever someone wishes you a Happy Valentines Day. Chin up.
DO bring a yummy treat for all to share. Cookies, small sweets, brownies, are a great idea. Valentines Day is one of those holidays where most people will consider breaking their diet with a small splurge. My advice is to keep these treats miniature in size so that your co-workers can enjoy treats that may be offered by other work buddies without spoiling that romantic dinner with their special someone.
TABOO . . . Sharing the spicy details of your love life. Even if you view your co-workers as friends, the company water cooler is simply not the place for these kind of intimate details about your life. If you feel you must share, please wait until after work and take the conversation away from the workplace and perhaps to your favorite wine bar.
TABOO . . . Expensive gifts for work colleagues or the boss. This particular taboo applies to just about every holiday in the workplace.
DO wish your colleagues a heartfelt Happy Valentines Day!
Looking for some great ways to celebrate Valentines Day? Here are a few ideas that may inspire your co-workers to get involved. You could put together a potluck lunch, or raise some money for a favorite charity such as Women’s Hearth Health or your local Humane Society.
