Somewhere along the line, HR got a bad rap for being the “Fun Police.” You know—the mythical group who storms into the office party, confiscates the margarita machine, and shuts down karaoke before the 90s power ballads even get started.
Here’s the truth: we’re not here to kill the fun. We’re here to keep the fun from turning into a headline.
The “Fun Police” moments usually come down to:
- Preventing behavior that could get someone sued, fired, or both.
- Making sure everyone feels safe enough to actually enjoy the event.
- Avoiding “memorable” stories that start with, “So at the company party…” and end with an HR investigation.
So next time we say “no” to a questionable idea, know that it’s not because we hate joy. It’s because we’d like everyone to keep their jobs, dignity, and possibly their ability to show their face at Monday’s staff meeting.