Beware The End of Year Office Party

With the end of the year fast approaching, many organisations are holding end of year functions for their staff.

Of course, getting into the Christmas spirit is an accepted part of the festive season in many countries.

Unfortunately, it can also result in some perilous outcomes – and this is something one of the UK’s most respected firms of solicitors, SA Law, are well aware of!

On the SA Law website recently, the company offered some useful tips for dealing with the Christmas office party.

What follows is also a very useful guide for managers, leaders and staff wishing to avoid a post-end of year party hangover:

1. Plan ahead

Make sure you invite all of your employees - including those on maternity or other types of leave. Try to hold the event at a convenient time for everyone - and ensure the venue is wheelchair accessible, and specific dietary requirements are catered for.

2. Set expectations

Remember that as an employer - you can be held liable for your employees’ actions. So it is generally a good idea before the party, to remind employees of what is expected of them in terms of acceptable behaviour. This gives you the employer, protection if things do not go to plan.

3. Plan your transport

You have a duty of care to your employees so wherever possible, assist with transport arrangements ahead of the party. This could involve arranging a coach or mini bus, or helping with taxi bookings. Encourage your employees to make arrangements for their travel home ahead of the party.

4. Limit alcohol availability

Ensure a range of non-alcoholic drinks is available - and take the focus off alcohol by providing food or entertainment. Also, some employees coming in to work the next day may still be ‘under the influence’ from the night before - so this may need to be addressed.

5. Social media awareness

Ensure you have a social media policy in place - and that employees know what is acceptable and what isn’t when posting pictures or comments during or after the party.

6. Check the entertainment

Ensure the entertainment is appropriate and will not cause offence to attendees. It is also a good idea to nominate someone at the party to keep an eye out for rowdy behaviour, so they step in where necessary.

7. Venue employees

Be careful how your staff members’ treat the venue employees, such as waiters, bar staff or other hosts. You can be liable for your employees’ actions if they exhibit inappropriate behaviour.

8. Post party absenteeism

Show some tolerance for employees who arrive at work the next day a bit ‘below par’. However, such sympathy does not extend to those staff members who take a ‘sickie’ the day after the party. Indeed some companies may reprimand such employees. Friday night parties can avoid this problem.

9. Post party complaints

It is best to attend to any objections in accordance with your grievance or disciplinary policies. The office party is an extension of the workplace your organisation must not be seen as tolerating inappropriate behaviour.

Of course, the majority of end of year office parties are incident-free - and carried out in good spirits - with little or no aggravation.

However, it is certainly worth bearing in mind there are always dangers when mixing alcohol and party festivities.