Can I send a funny employee birthday card?

Even after you see the impact sending employee birthday cards can have, there are still questions.

Should they be signed or printed?
Should they be mailed or handed out?

One common question is about whether a funny card is appropriate to give an employee for their birthday.

Most of us like giving and receiving funny birthday cards when it's between family or friends. But when you're looking for an employee birthday card, the rules are different. Why?

• A funny card that mocks the recipient's age, marital status, religion, ethnic group or sexual orientation could be used as proof of discrimination should that employee be dismissed or passed over for a promotion
  
  
  
  
• A card with sexual humor could come back to haunt the giver as evidence of sexual harassment or the creation of a hostile or sexually charged workplace
  
  
  
  
• A birthday card that could be construed to make light of a physical or mental challenge could be used in an ADA claim.
  
  

While there are probably some workplaces, or some individuals within the workplace, who would genuinely appreciate a funny birthday card, as a business it's far safer to choose a less edgy card for your employees' birthdays.

A casual. lighthearted greeting from the group or from the manager will be just as effective and meaningful, but will by-pass some of the risks.