What happens when you are destined to be sited at your workstation when the rest of your acquaintances are busy in celebration, fun and frolic.

You feel cheated and deprived and curse the extra off you had taken on the pretext of ill health, the extended deadlines and the underestimation of the client.

But can workplace itself be fun and frolic? If the idea of being at work on Holi has you off-colour, we suggest you work around it with these fun ideas. Make sure you sound out your manager and the HR department and get approval before finalizing any activities.

Here is how to work on your dress code

Holi has the universal dress code of wearing white. The traditional dress code for Holi festivities has always been white. White T-shirts with slogans and a smattering of colours is sure to put everyone in a Holi day mood

Set the stage

Offices now have made them don the colors of holi and they don’t mind decorating the place to heat up the office atmosphere pre  Most offices are fine with Diwali decorations so there’s no reason why they shouldn’t allow you to add a little color to the workspace. Festive décor doesn’t have to mean expensive. A Holi installation – it could be as simple as a display of gulal in cutting chai glasses – will send the mood at the entryway.

Organize a Holi lunch

Give the regular tiffin box a miss. Ask your colleagues to prepare a dish. No office is going to be okay a raucous party with colors and loud music but who can turn down a special lunch replete with traditional eats associated with Holi? Assign a dish to every team. Thandai, Gujiya, Malpua, Dal Kachori, Dahi Bade – aren’t you itching to get to the buffet already? Save the Bhang ki Pakodi and Chutney for the after-Holi party!

The festival of Holi is a day to forgive and forget, and to try and end conflicts. Could there be a better day to make peace amongst teams and people who are at loggerheads in the office? It’s easier said than done but sending out the message may help break the ice. Over time, this will translate into better collaboration and teamwork.

Now that you know how to lend color to Holi in a colorless office, have a wonderful Holi!