It’s that time of year and once again the Christmas party is looming. It should be a fun event, the is Company paying for employees to get together, let their hair down and have fun. I used to have many an argument with the CEO about the Christmas party and normally get accused of being the fun police. However, after several serious incidents he realised that in fact, my lets be sensible approach actually meant employees had more fun because things didn’t get out of hand.
A recent statistic shared on People Management stated that 40 tribunals a year are linked to Christmas parties. Inappropriate comments fuelled by alcohol not to mention a sudden blurring of professional lines, is a recipe for disaster. Employers are responsible for taking reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment and this includes social work events which are an extension of the workplace.
In addition, a quarter of employees have stated that they fell under pressure to drink alcohol at work events when they did not want to. Older workers will remember a time when getting drunk at the Christmas do was expected and acceptable. There is still a culture of being surprised when people do not drink.
Inhibitions are shed when large amounts of alcohol are consumed, accidents can happen and reputations can be ruined in an instant due to drunken behaviour. Then we have the hangover of the hangover. The following day will result in lower productivity due to not feeling well or phoning in sick. If drinking has been encouraged the employer can hardly complain.
So what can you do to ensure that your work Christmas party doesn’t turn into an HR nightmare?
Consider lunch instead. It is less likely to be centred around alcohol and more around colleagues having a few hours away from the office. This also means that everyone can attend. Employees with home commitments may not be able to attend after work, similarly if employees live further away they may struggle to attend. Limit the amount of alcohol and make sure there are plenty of non-alcoholic alternatives. Lay on transport to ensure everyone gets home safely and do not need to drive. Consider working from home the following day to limit absence and need to drive.
Work social events should be fun and a thank you to employees for their hard work. Consider your work demographics, ask employees what they would like and make sure everyone knows what behaviour is expected. Setting boundaries and catering for everyone will ensure your party is an end of year celebration.
