Ho Ho. Oh No!

Work Christmas parties! It’s when management and staff get together for a few drinks and some fun. But it’s the relaxed, informal atmosphere of the work Christmas party that can “inspire” inappropriate behaviour, coarse humour and ill-chosen words. Then there are the photos and comments posted on social media for all to see.

It can be a busy time for HR consultants like the team at End2End Business Solutions so here are a few tips to help you and your staff get through the festivities without drama.

Tip 1:  Be Proactive

The week before the Christmas party, explain to everyone that their conduct at the Christmas party needs to follow the same rules as the workplace. Make sure they re-read the policies on employee conduct and social media usage.

Importantly:  If you don’t have these policies in place, now is the time to get them.

Tip 2:  Manage Alcohol Consumption

Responsible alcohol consumption comes from the top so remember to lead by example. Also ensure you provide plenty of soft drinks and food. If the party is expected to be longer than 2 hours, a meal should be served.

Providing activities such as dancing or a social game of sport will help to slow down alcohol consumption.

Tip 3:  Implement a Plan B

Plan Bs should cover everything from:

  • How staff get home if they have too much to drink
  • What to do if they experience something unacceptable at the party
  • If they have concerns about the welfare of another staff member at the event

It might seem like you are “parenting” your staff but as an employer, you have a duty of care to keep them safe and out of harms’ way.

The Aftermath

Sometimes things go wrong – even at the most thoroughly planned company Christmas party. Your response to the misconduct will need to be calmly considered and proportional to the gravity of the act.

The key thing is to act promptly. Don’t wait until you return from Christmas leave to deal with the issue. It’s too late then and you risk the situation spiralling out of control in the interim.

If you aren’t sure what to do or need a sounding board to discuss your options, call the team at End2End on 02 8977 4002. We’ll guide you through the process or take control if you’d prefer.