‘Tis the Season to be Jolly……The Workplace Christmas Party
This time of year a business or organisation looks to hold a Christmas party for employees usually as a thank-you for the hard work undertaken during the year. However, there are always concerns about what will happen at the company Christmas function!
If a Christmas function is a company organised event the company can be held liable for the activities of the employees involved.
When holding a Christmas function the following areas should be considered;
- Ensure the event is inclusive by making sure employees on family related leave or sick related leave are invited.
- Make sure any entertainment provided cannot be viewed as being offensive by any employee.
- Provide a clear reminder to employees regarding the organisation’s expectations together. Also indicate that any inappropriate behaviour may be managed in line with company policies including disciplinary procedure.
- Consider controlling the amount of alcohol available especially if this is being provided free of charge.
- As an employer you should be prepared to deal with any allegations, inappropriate behaviour or even violence in a serious and/or sympathetic way.
- Avoid any discussions about career prospects, increase in remuneration or promises of that new company car whilst full of Christmas cheer.
- Be mindful of social media platforms such as Twitter or Facebook when photographs of employees ‘the worse for wear’ could appear. This could bring implications involving data protection where employees have not given their consent to their images being uploaded to such social media sites.
Remember! In basic terms the office party can be seen to be an extension to the workplace, and all employees involved are representatives of the company.
A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all!
Ivan Spibey
Director
Atom HR
For further advice you can contact us at Atom HR for peace of mind. We can guide you throughout the journey.
0116- 2121153/07712-115663