What Workplaces Can Learn from Halloween? Managing Inappropriate Behaviour & Improving Team Culture
Halloween isn’t just a time for lollies and spooky costumes—it can also teach us a thing or two about workplace behaviour and team culture. Whether it’s avoiding inappropriate antics at the office party or figuring out how to build camaraderie, let’s see what workplaces can learn from Halloween all year long.
Costumes Have Limits: Know What’s Appropriate
Halloween is a time for self-expression, but sometimes there is ‘that’ person who pushes it too far with a, let’s say, “edgy” costume. In the same way, workplaces need clear boundaries on behaviour.
Lesson: Just like you wouldn’t show up to a work event dressed in something wildly inappropriate, there are boundaries in everyday interactions too. Friendly banter? Great. Office gossip or awkward jokes about Steve’s “skeletons in the closet”? Not so much. (No offence to any ‘Steves’ reading this!)
Tip: Make sure employees know what’s funny versus what’s frighteningly inappropriate—and that includes keeping costumes (and emails) HR-friendly.
Don’t Be That Guy Hoarding All the Lollies
Ever notice that one person who stuffs their pockets with all the good chocolates from the communal bowl? (Yes, Steve, we’re looking at you.) Hoarding resources—whether it’s lollies, praise, or information—can ruin team spirit faster than a bad horror sequel. (Think: Scream 2).
Lesson: A healthy team culture means sharing credit, knowledge, and yes, the occasional chocolate. When everyone feels included, it’s a treat for the whole team.
Tip: Encourage collaboration and celebrate the small wins as a group.
Ghosting Is Not a Communication Strategy
Ghosts belong at Halloween, but ghosting your colleagues on Slack or disappearing when projects get tough? That’s a workplace horror story. People need to trust each other to build a positive culture—and that means following through, not vanishing when things get tricky.
Lesson: Good communication is the backbone of any effective team. If there’s an issue, speak up instead of pulling a Casper. Everyone has busy days, but communication shouldn’t be a hit-and-miss affair.
Tip: Teach employees to give clear updates (even if the news is, “I need more time”), and set expectations about response times. Your team isn’t a haunted house—so make sure nobody’s left wandering in the dark.
Beware of Monsters in Disguise: Addressing Toxic Behaviour
Not all monsters wear masks. Sometimes toxic behaviours hide behind charm, and it takes awareness to spot them. Just like how the friendliest-looking costume can be the scariest by the end of the night ( i.e. clowns), even seemingly small acts of misconduct—like passive-aggressive comments—can cause harm over time.
Lesson: It’s crucial to call out inappropriate behaviour early before it snowballs into something unmanageable. A toxic team member can quietly drain morale, so don’t wait for things to get terrifying.
Tip: Equip managers with the tools to recognise and handle toxic behaviour before it spreads like a zombie virus. Hold regular feedback sessions to encourage open conversations—and make sure everyone feels safe speaking up.
The Value of Rituals: Building Team Traditions
One of the best things about Halloween is the fun rituals—carving pumpkins, costume contests, spooky playlists. The same goes for workplace traditions. Having a few light-hearted rituals creates bonding moments and gives the team something to look forward to.
Lesson: Team-building doesn’t need to be forced (no one likes an awkward trust fall). Find small ways to inject fun into your work culture, like casual Friday quizzes, snack breaks, or “wins of the week” shout outs. Rituals help the team unwind and connect, even during stressful times.
Tip: Be mindful of everyone’s preferences—just like some people hate horror movies, not everyone loves forced group activities #forcedfunsux. Keep things optional and inclusive.
Every Team Needs a Pumpkin Carver: Recognise Hidden Talents
In every group, someone’s an unsung hero—like the person who knows how to carve the perfect pumpkin or organise a killer playlist for the office party. Recognising and nurturing hidden talents boosts morale and ensures everyone’s contributions shine.
Lesson: Not all talents show up in formal job descriptions, but they’re valuable nonetheless. Maybe Steve’s knack for decorating could translate into event-planning for clients. Or maybe Dan’s sharp wit could inspire your next social media campaign.
Tip: Make space for people to showcase non-work skills, whether through talent-sharing days or fun challenges. Recognising people for more than just their KPIs builds stronger connections.
Don’t Be Afraid to Lighten the Mood: Laughter Builds Culture
Halloween reminds us that it’s okay to have fun and not take everything so seriously. Yes, work can be stressful, but that’s exactly why a little humour can go a long way. Teams that laugh together are more resilient and better equipped to handle challenges.
Lesson: A positive culture isn’t just about avoiding negativity—it’s also about creating opportunities for joy. Even in high-pressure environments, moments of laughter can defuse tension and foster trust.
Tip: Encourage light-hearted moments—whether that’s sharing appropriate memes in your group chat or starting meetings with an icebreaker. Just remember, humour is best when it’s inclusive and considerate. (So, no creepy clown jokes…)
My Final Thoughts: Keep the Tricks Light and the Treats Plentiful (and avoid the clowns)
At its core, Halloween teaches us that balancing fun and responsibility is key—whether you’re avoiding costume disasters (some of us hate dressing up!) or managing team dynamics. Healthy workplace culture, like Halloween, is about participation, boundaries, and a little magic. When teams respect one another, communicate clearly, and find joy in the everyday, they thrive.
So this Halloween, take inspiration from the festivities:
- Share your lollies (or credit).
- Avoid the monsters (toxic behaviour).
- And remember—there’s no place for ghosts (poor communication)
Happy Halloween everyone!
