3 Ways You Can Still Work and Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day Without Getting Fired

Published on March 15, 2019

It seems every year St. Patrick’s Day becomes more and more festive—even at the workplace.

From pie to shamrock shakes and other ‘Irish’-themed desserts, offices all over the U.S. have gone from celebrating the mathematical constant, π, to decorating the work space green, providing tasty food and beverages, to even dressing up in style.

But for those who want to take the extra leap and have their own pot of gold for best outfits in the workplace, here are some tips on how you can still celebrate the fun-filled holiday while being proactive at work:

#1–Ask Permission!

Above anything else, always ask your boss, manager, or supervisor whether the office or your team is observing St. Patrick’s Day throughout the work day. There’s nothing worse than showing up to work in what you believe to be the best costume ever, then come to find out you’re the only one in the office who still thinks you can roll into class looking like a fraternity or sorority member.

If they are on-board with your attire and/or decorations, then you have nothing to fear, other than perhaps scaring your cube mate or colleagues who may not be as immersed into the festivities as you.

#2—Choose An Appropriate Outfit

Even though you have permission to dress-up or be creative, doesn’t mean you can roll into the office looking like a leprechaun that got way too drunk last night or even ended up at a strip club, reeking of alcohol and cigarette smoke.

You always must dress to impress. Whether you want to go with a “blazer” styled approach or even a “suit-like” appearance, there are still options for you.

There are plenty of websites, like Halloweencostumes.com, that offer “professional” themed-attire, or even professional sports teams that offer classy looking St. Patty’s day jerseys that don’t fit you like a college-style jersey, hanging all the way down to your knees.

#3—Suggest Irish-Incentive Activities for Your Staff

Let’s say you are in sales and spend your day on the phones. Suggesting your team participate in a Lucky Shamrock Bingo for the number of customers called or products sold, could be fun—especially if there is a nice pot of gold (or a few bonus dollars on the table).

If you are in a more corporate-environment where making phone calls all day isn’t your top priority, maybe turning on Sirius XM or Pandora that plays Irish music is the way to go. Either way, you can still get in the mood. You MAY be able to get away with suggesting that someone put on The Departed on MUTE, but I doubt that will fly…considering that movie has more uses of the “f” word than any movie in history.

Just don’t be playing The Dropkick Murphy’s or Flogging Molly just yet. Save that for after 5:00 p.m.

Be Smart, Work Hard, and Shamrock Up!

Remember, just because you work on St. Patrick’s Day, doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the holiday and participate in your own office-appropriate party.

Andrew "Drew" Rossow is a former contract editor at Grit Daily.

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