Gainesville-based Northeast Georgia Health System has paused a policy restricting holiday decorations after pushback from workers, according to ABC affiliate WSB-TV.
The policy, announced earlier this month, restricted decorations to hospital-approved kits, each including a tree, ornaments and a wreath, the TV station reported.
NGHS spokesperson Sean Couch told WSB-TV the policy's intent "was to create a consistent and professional appearance with holiday decorations across all of our locations."
It came as a result of some employees asking about rules related to decorating for their patients and patients' families. NGHS did not have a policy regarding the issue before this month.
Once the policy was announced, some employees asked for clarification about the policy, had a question about the policy or expressed "that it really kind of soured their holiday spirit," Mr. Couch said.
NGHS is pausing the policy for this year and will create employee engagement councils to solicit feedback, Mr. Couch said, according to WSB-TV.
"Everyone agreed we would just put a pause on that policy this holiday season, let it roll on as it always has, and then next year get several groups of employees together to talk about the policy, the intent of the policy, and figure out the best path forward," he said.
Northeast Georgia Health System is a nonprofit community health system anchored by Northeast Georgia Medical Center's five hospital campuses.