Tis the season for celebrations … What better way to thank your employees for their contribution to your business over the past year? Well-planned festivities can be a great way to not only recognize your staff for a job well done, but also to boost morale, encourage collaboration and increase team building. Unfortunately, even the best intentioned employers can open themselves up to liability issues if they don’t consider the impact that an office party can have when things go awry.
It has become common for employers to cut back on their seasonal parties, not because they don’t want to reward their staff but because the liability issues seem to increase with each passing year. Drinking and driving, sexual harassment and discrimination are potential concerns, and employers need to be mindful of the impact that a party can have on the business and employees. Your workplace policies likely cover much of this information but it is a good idea to ensure that all staff and managers know your expectations for behaviour before the event. Planning ahead and being prepared for the worst will definitely increase your chances of having a safe and successful celebration.
Here are some tips to keep your office celebrations on the right track this season:
Limit Alcohol Consumption
Consider hosting your party at the office and/or during the day to reduce the likelihood that anyone will over indulge. If you decide to serve alcohol at your event, be sure to serve food and limit the number of drinks served by issuing a fixed number of tickets. Hiring a professional bartender will help ensure that underage workers aren’t served alcohol. Don’t rely on common sense to keep people in check. We’ve all seen or heard about someone who had “a little too much” at an office party. Don’t forget to offer taxi vouchers or provide designated drivers to make sure everyone gets home safely.
Prevent Harassment
It isn’t only alcohol that reduces people’s inhibitions; a celebration itself can lull people into forgetting they should maintain the same professional conduct that they would at any other time during work. You may want to remind your staff before the event that you expect them to abide by your workplace policies such as your harassment policy or code of conduct at all times.
Avoid Offence
It can be a challenge during the holiday season to ensure that you don’t exclude or offend anyone because they don’t share the same beliefs. You may need to implement an office decorating policy and remind everyone of your dress code to make sure that you keep your workplace non-denominational.
Planning ahead and considering creative alternatives can ensure that your holiday celebrations go smoothly. Get your managers or supervisors on board to help you set the tone and keep an eye out for those who decide to push the boundaries. Use your best judgement to decide what type of event you want to host that will be appropriate for your employees. Go ahead and try something new this year if last year was a bust. If you plan with the attitude of celebration and recognition of a job well done, your employees will appreciate your efforts.
The team at HRG wishes you all the best for a happy and safe holiday season in your workplace!
Malena Tutte, CHRP
HRG Human Resources Group (a division of MPC Consulting Ltd.)
2075 Henry Avenue West, Unit #23
Sidney, BC V8L 1T2
Email Malena
250-655-0474 x.231
Malena Tutte, CHRP, is a Human Resource Advisor at HRG Human Resources Group with extensive human resource generalist experience in the private sector as a business owner in the food processing industry. She has the ability to find creative and effective solutions to short and long term business challenges. For more information on HRG Human Resources Group and what our team does to help businesses navigate their human resource challenges, please visit our website.
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