HR staff advised on Christmas office closures

People working in HR jobs have been warned that some non-Christian employees could view workplaces being closed in the Christmas period as a form of discrimination as they will be forced to use up some of their annual leave.

The Employers Forum on Belief advised those in HR jobs to sell office closures to staff as a cost-effective measure for their organisation, reports the Daily Telegraph.

While it advised "there was no need to panic" about the issue, the Forum did advise that it may be best to steer clear of specifically Christian decorations in the office.

"There is no need to stop on grounds of religion or belief, although - unless your organisation has a strong Christian culture or ethos - it may be more sensitive to use seasonal rather than religious imagery," said its guide.

Last month, the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development warned staff in HR jobs about the behaviour of their staff during Christmas parties.

It reminded HR departments that companies still have a duty of care during parties and may be liable if cases of occupational bullying or sexual harassment occur.

Updated: 24 November 2009.
Categories: human-resources, market-and-industry-news.