Valentine’s vs work
Feb 14, 2011
LOVE is in the air because of Valentine’s Day, which we all know is treated as a festival in our banana republic, Uganda.
By Alex Balimwikungu
LOVE is in the air because of Valentine’s Day, which we all know is treated as a festival in our banana republic, Uganda.
But chances are that we will be held up in endless meetings with no time to think about significant others, which will not make matters easy for most people.
Since romance at the workplace is becoming common, should employers consider letting staff leave work early to plan for their significant others and family? It is akin to squeezing water out of stone, says Mbuubi Witta, the human resource manager at Century Bottling Company.
He says notions like Valentine’s Day are stereotypical and shouldn’t even be unwelcomed at the workplace. “I have no issues with someone wearing Valentine’s Day colours as long as they put in the hours. I cannot image any company letting off workers early because of such a day,†he notes.
Lydia Magino, a human resource consultant, says it is possible to celebrate Valentine’s Day at the workplace without necessarily having staff break off early. She, however, admits that when you mix Valentine’s Day with work, things can get a little awkward.
“You can give non-personal gifts to each of your colleagues and your boss. Presents like home-made cookies, flowers for the office or your section and generic gift cards. These gifts are guaranteed to give you and your colleagues a fun experience,†she says.
LOVE is in the air because of Valentine’s Day, which we all know is treated as a festival in our banana republic, Uganda.
But chances are that we will be held up in endless meetings with no time to think about significant others, which will not make matters easy for most people.
Since romance at the workplace is becoming common, should employers consider letting staff leave work early to plan for their significant others and family? It is akin to squeezing water out of stone, says Mbuubi Witta, the human resource manager at Century Bottling Company.
He says notions like Valentine’s Day are stereotypical and shouldn’t even be unwelcomed at the workplace. “I have no issues with someone wearing Valentine’s Day colours as long as they put in the hours. I cannot image any company letting off workers early because of such a day,†he notes.
Lydia Magino, a human resource consultant, says it is possible to celebrate Valentine’s Day at the workplace without necessarily having staff break off early. She, however, admits that when you mix Valentine’s Day with work, things can get a little awkward.
“You can give non-personal gifts to each of your colleagues and your boss. Presents like home-made cookies, flowers for the office or your section and generic gift cards. These gifts are guaranteed to give you and your colleagues a fun experience,†she says.