Cinco de Mayo at Work -- To Ole or Not to Ole
Cinco de Mayo is celebrated with varying degrees of excitement that vary across geographic and generational lines. In most colleges, you can bet that the student population will use the day as an excuse to take a cue from the "most interesting man in the world." While folks of an older (wiser) age, may just enjoy some chips and salsa.
As an employer of people from various backgrounds and ages, you may want to disclose up front what you expect on this festive day. Here are some tips for whether you should ole, or not.
Drinking
As a general rule, it's a pretty good idea to not mix work and alcohol. If your employees want to get together for a drink after work -- on their own time-- that's fine. But, we don't recommend doing tequila shots in the conference room. First, you'll open yourself up to potential liability. Second, there's a massive lime shortage - really - and we all know you need some lime with tequila.
Eating
If you want to get a little festive, food is always a safe, popular, and very appreciated way to go. You can plan lunch at a favorite Mexican spot, get lunch catered, or take a group trip to the local taco truck. (Sidebar: For those of you not on the West Coast the thought of a taco truck is probably not that appetizing, but take it from someone who takes tacos very seriously, and please know that some taco trucks make the best tacos ever).
Timing
Even if you want to treat Monday like any old Monday, be aware that your employees may have plans outside of work. Unless something is really pressing, don't make your employees stay late unnecessarily, and don't schedule a super-important meeting for the following morning -- just in case.
Cinco de Mayo in some ways is a prelude to Memorial Day -- the weather is warming up and people are more than ready for summer. Whether you want to formalize festivities in the office, or not, just be sure to make a decision and have a formal work place policy.
Will you celebrate Cinco de Mayo in the office? Let us know on Facebook for FindLaw for Legal Professionals.
Related Resources:
- The Latest in DUI Apps and Gadgets to Keep You (Sort of) Safe (FindLaw's Technologist Blog)
- Hard-Drinking Lawyers: Avoid a Holiday DUI (FindLaw's Technologist Blog)
- Why You Should Have a Festivus Holiday Office Party (FindLaw's Technologist Blog)