The legal situation

Christmas at work: what’s allowed

Decorations, punch, cookies, celebrations: many things, but not everything, are allowed at work during Advent.(Bild: stock.adobe.com - DC Studio)

Oh, how beautiful the Advent season is! But how much Christmas is allowed in my workplace? Are decorations and ornaments allowed, or are Christmas carols also permitted? Am I allowed to punch during work, do I have to wear a Christmas costume and do I get paid more during the holidays? Do you also have questions like these? Then we have all the details for you here!

A string of lights wrapped around the screen, a plate of cookies at the break table or a colleague in a Grinch suit: how much Christmas is allowed or required at work if the boss wants it that way? We spoke to employment law expert Jasmin Haindl from the Vienna Chamber of Labor on the subject. Here are the most important answers for you: