Johnny C. Taylor Jr. addresses your HR questions in a series for USA TODAY. Taylor is president and CEO of the Society for Human Resource Management, the world’s largest professional human resources society, and author of “Reset: A Leader’s Guide to Work in an Age of Upheaval.”

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Question: Some of our workers have asked if they can wear Halloween costumes to work. We all want to have fun, but we worry that it might cause problems. What guidelines should we implement to ensure this doesn’t get out of hand? -Nia

Answer: Halloween can be a fun and engaging way to boost morale at work, but as you rightly point out, it’s important to establish clear guidelines to ensure things remain appropriate and professional. With the right approach, employees can enjoy their day without unintended problems.

Here are some guidelines to consider:

Voluntary participation: Make it clear that celebrating Halloween, including wearing costumes, is completely optional. Some employees may not feel comfortable or have personal reasons for withdrawing, and their choices should be respected. Provide equal support to those who choose not to participate.

Costume Guidelines: Describe specific expectations. For example, suits should follow your company’s dress code, even if the rules are relaxed for the day. Costumes must be appropriate for a professional context, i.e. not have offensive or inappropriate themes, such as overly sexualized outfits, costumes mocking religious or cultural beliefs or depicting violent or discriminatory stereotypes. A good guideline might be to ask employees to ensure that costumes cover “the shoulders to the knees.”

Cultural sensitivity: Remind employees that costumes should not denigrate, ridicule, or appropriate cultural, religious, or racial identities. It is important to respect everyone in the workplace. Providing examples of what is considered inappropriate can help employees understand boundaries.

Backup plan: Encourage employees to bring a change of clothes in case a suit does not meet guidelines or becomes uncomfortable during the workday. You might also consider having a change of company-appropriate clothes on hand for anyone who needs to change.

Communication with management: Managers must be prepared to handle any costume-related issues that arise throughout the day. This might involve having a brief conversation with someone whose costume is out of line or responding to complaints from other employees. Consistent communication is essential to ensure everyone is on the same page.

Optional programming: Keep in mind that some employees may not feel comfortable with Halloween for religious or personal reasons. Offer flexible hours or remote work options for those who prefer not to be in the office during the celebration.

By setting these guidelines and clearly communicating them to your employees, you can help ensure that Halloween remains a fun experience for everyone without causing any unintended problems.

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A few people in our office display political paraphernalia opposed to their office. Even if this never results in conflict or debate, it can often be distracting and awkward for people who don’t necessarily share their views. Is the workplace an appropriate environment for political protests? -Spencer

In today’s diverse work environment, it’s not uncommon for employees to bring elements of their personal lives, including their political views, into the office. While this personal expression can add vibrancy to a workplace, it’s essential to consider how political protests can affect others, especially in a shared space where people have a wide range of viewpoints.

Most companies have policies governing workplace decoration and behavior, especially regarding political or social expression. If these displays cause discomfort or appear to be a distraction, it may be helpful to review the company’s policy on self-expression in the workplace. If you believe that political paraphernalia goes against these guidelines, it would be appropriate to raise your concerns with HR or a manager.

However, beyond company politics, it’s also helpful to recognize the ways in which workplaces bring people from different backgrounds and viewpoints together. Your colleagues may feel that their political displays allow them to express their identity, just as others may display cultural artifacts, sports memorabilia, or personal photos. Rather than focusing on symbols from different points of view, it can sometimes be helpful to have open conversations to foster greater understanding. Engaging in respectful dialogue about your discomfort or asking how others feel might reveal more common ground than expected.

Ultimately, the workplace is a shared environment in which all employees should feel comfortable and respected. Finding a balance between self-expression and maintaining a harmonious work atmosphere can sometimes be tricky, but it’s essential to approach the situation with empathy and respect for different perspectives. Promoting an inclusive and professional environment ensures that everyone feels welcome, regardless of their political beliefs.

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This article was originally published on USA TODAY: Do you wear a Halloween costume to the office? Here is the correct etiquette