Scary Stuff That’s Not About Halloween
By Patty e. – Your HR Guru
It’s that spooky time of year, when fake cobwebs drape across office walls, candy dishes overflow, and someone inevitably shows up in a costume that’s a little too realistic. 🎃
But while most people are talking about ghosts, ghouls, and things that go bump in the night, there’s another kind of haunting that deserves our attention — one that creeps into our workplaces when we’re not looking.
I call them the Workplace Haunts: those quiet, creeping issues that appear when communication fades, safety slips, and culture loses its spark.
These are the monsters that can turn even the brightest team into a scene from a spooky movie. Let’s shine a flashlight on them — and talk about how to turn those chills into treats for a thriving, healthy workplace.
👻 The Ghost of Missed Tag-Ups
Every office has one — the forgotten check-in, the canceled one-on-one, the “we’ll touch base later” that somehow never happens.
When employees start feeling unseen, motivation drifts away like mist in the night. The result? People disengage, misunderstand expectations, or start believing their work doesn’t matter.
🪄 The Treat:
Reignite your connection. Make space in your calendar for weekly “Highlight Huddles” where your team shares one small win. It’s quick, fun, and keeps spirits high — literally and figuratively.
🧟♀️ The Zombie Virus of Disengagement
I’ve seen it many times — the zombie shuffle through the break room. You know the signs: employees trudging through their day, drained and disconnected.
The infection spreads quietly, usually starting with a leader who’s “too busy” to listen. Before long, an entire team catches the same low-energy virus.
🪄 The Treat:
Communication is the cure. Take five minutes to listen, not just manage. Ask, “How’s your workload? What’s been energizing or draining you lately?” Empathy is the antidote that brings people back to life.
🧛♀️ The Vampire of Unsafe Habits
Safety hazards are the vampires of the workplace — they drain energy and morale faster than anything else. Whether it’s cluttered walkways, untrained staff, or ignored warnings, these little vampires thrive in the dark.
🪄 The Treat:
Turn safety into part of your company’s DNA. Celebrate prevention, not just correction. Recognize team members who “caught it before it bit.” A small thank-you can turn compliance into culture.
💨 The Distrust Monster
Gossip, whispers, and half-truths — the Distrust Monster feeds on miscommunication. It’s that swirling energy that turns collaboration into competition and connection into confusion.
The worst part? It often starts small — a rumor unaddressed, a concern brushed aside, or feedback deferred one too many times.
🪄 The Treat:
Transparency is your silver bullet. Be proactive about communication. Create safe spaces for feedback, and when you don’t have an answer, say so. Trust grows when honesty outpaces hearsay.
🕯️ The Sweet Treat of Awareness
By now, you can probably see the pattern:
Every “haunt” starts when something small gets ignored.
The good news? You don’t need a magic spell to fix it. Just consistency, care, and courage.
Celebrate wins. Listen actively. Keep your workplace safe — not just physically, but emotionally.
Healthy habits, not horror stories, are the real magic of HR.
💼 The HR Guru’s Closing Campfire Thought
Whether you lead a faith-based nonprofit, a fast-paced start-up, or a small business with big heart, remember: your culture isn’t shaped by your mission statement — it’s shaped by your everyday moments.
And sometimes, the smallest things — a thank-you, a check-in, a brave conversation — are the light that chases away the shadows.
So, this spooky season, enjoy the pumpkins and the candy…
but also, take a moment to look around your workplace.
If you see a ghost, a zombie, or a Distrust Monster lurking — you know what to do. 😉
🕯️ Don’t let the haunts take over your workplace.
Book an HR Wellness Check with Your HR Guru today — because even the healthiest teams need a little light to chase away the shadows.
