Letter from the Editor

^{Alan Bernstein, SHRM-SCP Council Secretary, SHRM Florida State Council}

December 2025 Edition

Keeping Safety (and Cheer) at the Top of the List This Holiday Season

As the holiday season approaches, it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement — decorations go up, calendars fill with festivities, and we wrap up projects before year’s end. It’s a joyful time, but it’s also a busy one — and that makes it especially important to keep workplace safety top of mind.

Whether it’s navigating extra traffic, handling increased workloads, or managing year-end stress, a little extra awareness can go a long way toward keeping everyone safe and healthy. Encourage your teams to take breaks, use proper lifting techniques, and speak up if something doesn’t seem right. The holidays are meant for celebration — not preventable injuries or burnout.

And speaking of celebration — holiday parties are a wonderful way to bring people together and show appreciation for the year’s hard work. As you plan your gatherings, remember that safety and inclusion should be part of the fun. That means making sure events are accessible, providing transportation options if alcohol is served, and setting a respectful tone so everyone feels comfortable and valued.

Let’s close out the year on a high note by celebrating responsibly, supporting one another, and keeping safety at the heart of our workplaces. Wishing you and your teams a joyful, safe, and successful holiday season!

Warm regards,

Alan Bernstein, SHRM-SCP
Council Secretary, SHRM Florida State Council

Alan serves on the Executive Committee of SHRM Florida State Council as Council Secretary. He is a Board Member of LEAD Brevard, past president of the Space Coast Human Resources Association, and teaches the HR Certification preparation class for SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP at Eastern Florida State College. Additionally, he has been voted Best Consultant on the Space Coast, HR Florida Volunteer of the Year, and Melbourne Regional Chamber of Commerce Ambassador of the Year. Alan is active with his local community and provides free resume writing and job search seminars to local non-profits virtually and in-person.