“Is the Christmas Party a Workplace?”

With the temperatures rising, and Christmas just around the corner, the annual office Christmas parties are now in full swing.

For both employers and employees this presents a welcome relief from their yearly work commitments and a time in which an employer can show appreciation for the year’s hard work to their employees.

What should be remembered, however, is, put simply, the Christmas party is a ‘workplace’, regardless of when and where it is held.

Employers can be liable for the actions of their employees at work-related events, such as seminars, conferences, work functions and Christmas parties.

In the spirit of the season, Everingham Solomons now presents a ‘do’s and don’ts’ for both employees and employers for office Christmas parties.

Do’s

Turn up! It is a great opportunity to interact away from the office environment, it builds morale and strengthens relationships.

For employers, leading up to the Christmas party, remind your staff that it is a workplace event and that you expect their behavior to reflect this. Remind staff of any existing office policies and procedures, particularly in relation to sexual harassment and bullying.

As alcohol will normally be served at office events, employers should organize travel arrangements, such as a taxi or courtesy bus to ensure their employees get home safely.

Choose your karaoke song wisely.

Dust off your worst Christmas themed tie and wear with pride

Enjoy yourself and get to know your work colleagues in a more relaxed environment.

Don’ts

Employees and employers should refrain from posting photos of the Christmas party on social media to avoid embarrassing pictures of themselves or colleagues entering the Twitter-sphere!

Avoid religion and politics. These are hard topics to approach sober, but with a drink or two can lead to an inflamed situation.

Do not do something that you know you would not be allowed to do in the office. Remember the policies of bullying and harassment apply!

Do not harass your boss for a pay rise! The Christmas party, and a few drinks in, is not the time to campaign!

Know your limits. Alcohol will be served and you do not want to be “that guy” or “that girl”, your hard earned respect from colleagues can be eroded quickly.

For Employers do not dismiss a post-Christmas party complaint, take it seriously and investigate as you would an office incident.

Merry Christmas

Everingham Solomons wishes everyone a safe and merry Christmas and please don’t drink and drive.

Remember, an incident or dispute arising at or after a Christmas party where alcohol was served is not a valid defence or excuse.

From Terry Robinson and the Directors of Everingham Solomons