I have heard a lot of talk about how grumpy people seem to be at work this holiday season.  I do not necessarily think that is an unusual observation.  Each year, the day after Thanksgiving begins an influx of stress as we enter the holiday season, regardless of what you celebrate.  Gifts to buy, lines to wait in, food to make, parties to attend and relatives to avoid…on top of all of the end of the year deadlines to meet at work.  Think Clark Griswold in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.

The complaints that I have heard most recently relate to regulations that are communicated within organizations around the holidays regarding “proper” conduct.  Most often the regulations include comments about holiday décor, inter-office parties, gift exchanges, etc.  Rightfully so, there is a big focus on diversity.  In my opinion I believe the grumpiness may be a reaction to how the official “regulations” are communicated within an organization rather than that they have been developed.

I believe most people understand the importance of respecting diversity during this time of year.  However, if the regulations on “proper” conduct are communicated in a negative manner or in response to someone being offended then there is a guarantee that they will ruffle some feathers. 

I recently talked with a colleague who works in the public sector about a specific regulation that was released just as holiday decorations were being hung throughout the office.  Depending on how much time an individual spends with the public (employees), the individual is held to different standards than all others.  The idea seems to stem from the fact that due to the high degree of public relations involved with a position the individual is responsible for ensuring that any holiday decorations within their personal office do not reference a specific religious holiday.  In some cases I have even heard of not referencing any specific holiday in general, non-religious Christmas for example.  In this case hanging up a wreath or snow flakes is acceptable.  A tree however, not so much.

I understand people have varying religious belief and that we should be respectful in these types of situations.  Nevertheless, it bugs me when organizations get extremely “nit picky” when it comes to the holidays.  I am not a religious person but I have been offended in years past by the way organizations have dealt with the holidays.  This is supposed to be a joyous time for all – not a reminder that we are just cogs in a machine.

What do you think?  How does your organization handle the holidays?  Are they flexible or do they follow strict protocol?