Leveling Up Your Employees' Experience: Holiday Party Do’s & Don’ts

From ugly sweaters to photo booths, gift exchanges to eggnog toasts, work holiday parties are packed with seasonal fun! These events can boost employee engagement and spread cheer across teams, but if things get out of hand, they might leave your organization in a challenging compliance situation. How can you help your event stay joyful and create a positive experience for everyone? Here are some tips to make your work holiday party festive, inclusive, and memorable for all: 

1. Serving Alcohol: Making spirits bright—responsibly! 

Deciding whether to serve alcohol is one of the biggest challenges HR leaders face when planning holiday parties. Alcohol can lower inhibitions, leading to decisions that may create uncomfortable situations or even legal liabilities, such as inappropriate behavior or drinking and driving. 

LevelUp HR Tip:  Develop a plan to manage alcohol consumption and minimize risks: 

• Use drink tickets or limit the time frame for serving alcohol. 
• Hold the event on a weeknight or consider forgoing liquor altogether. 
• Provide alternative activities to make the bar less central. 
• Choose a venue near public transportation or arrange shuttles, taxis, or rideshare coverage to ensure everyone gets home safely. 
• Encourage supervisors to lead by example. 

2. Ensuring Inclusivity: Good cheer is better when it’s shared by all! 

Holiday parties are an opportunity to boost morale and connect teams, so it’s important to invite all employees, including remote team members. However, consider how you’ll make remote employees feel included if they can’t attend in person. 

LevelUp HR Tip:  If travel is too costly, consider regional gatherings for remote workers or send them a gift card for a festive meal on the company’s dime. Also, be inclusive by allowing all employees—regardless of position—to bring a guest if others are invited to do so. 

3. Preventing Sexual Harassment: Keep it festive, not fraught! 

Holiday parties may feel more casual than the workplace, but the same policies around sexual harassment apply, regardless of the setting. 

LevelUp HR Tip:  Remind employees in advance about workplace expectations and reinforce that inappropriate behavior won’t be tolerated. Establish protocols for addressing issues like inappropriate dancing or remarks, so you can act swiftly and consistently if needed. 

4. Avoiding Religious Discrimination: Celebrate diversity with joy! 

Many holiday events focus on Christmas traditions, but an inclusive event should embrace the diversity of your workforce and respect various religious beliefs. 

LevelUp HR Tip: 

Use neutral language, such as "holiday" or "year-end" party, and opt for non-religious decorations—or include décor for multiple holidays. Avoid scheduling your event on or near religious observances to ensure everyone feels welcome. 

5. Requiring Attendance: Good cheer without pressure! 

While you may want every employee to attend, making holiday parties mandatory can lead to wage and hour issues for nonexempt employees and discourage those with personal or cultural concerns from participating. 

LevelUp HR Tip:  Clearly communicate that attendance is voluntary and reassure employees there won’t be negative consequences for choosing not to participate. 

Holiday parties should be a time of celebration and connection, not compliance challenges or conflict. By planning thoughtfully, fostering inclusivity, and setting clear expectations, you can create a festive event that employees will remember for all the right reasons. If you need help designing a celebration that’s compliant, safe, reduces risks, and increases satisfaction, isolved HR Services is here to guide you. 

Here’s to a safe, joyful, and memorable holiday season!