How to prepare for the return of the Christmas party
21 Dec 2021
For obvious reasons, most of us were spared the office Christmas party last year.
Whilst that may have been welcome news for some, for many it meant missing out on one of the highlights of the working year.
This year, with life starting to return to something like normality, office Christmas parties are returning to the fore.
So it’s probably worth reminding employers of some important considerations when planning the annual bash.
First up – and most important – if this is an official work event then the normal rules of work behaviour apply. It will be classed as ‘in the course of employment’ and so all the rules and regulations which govern behaviour at work will still be in force even though you are all in the pub or restaurant.
That means lewd conduct, sexually suggestive behaviour, any behaviour which is discriminatory and even posting unflattering pictures of your boss or colleagues on Facebook are all off limits.
We cannot underline this enough. It will be no defence after the worst has happened to say that everyone had had too much to drink and it was nothing to do with the company. It’s your works do, you have organised or sanctioned it, so you are responsible.
As well as ensuring staff know what behaviour is expected of them, managers should also make sure they do not cross any lines.
Make sure all your senior staff are aware of the perils of tipple-tattle – discussing office politics and promotion prospects whilst knocking back the booze in a less-than-confidential environment. It can be really dangerous and have long-lasting impacts.
If you want to be really on the safe side employers and managers should consider the following steps ahead of the Christmas party to keep everyone onside:
- Familiarise yourself with the company policy on Christmas parties and think through what it means in practical terms
- Consider issuing a statement to employees in advance of the Christmas party to remind them of appropriate standards of behaviour
- Make sure that you are up to speed on the Equality Act 2010, which makes employers liable for acts of discrimination, harassment and victimisation carried out by their employees in the course of employment, unless they can show that they took reasonable steps to prevent such acts.
- Ensure any possible disciplinary action for ‘offences’ during the Christmas bash is covered in your company’s disciplinary policy.
One other key consideration this year is Covid – and the safety measures any chosen venue has in place as a result of the pandemic. You wouldn’t want to expose your staff to unnecessary risk during the working day, so don’t do it at the office party.
If that all sounds a little onerous – and likely to take the fun out of any event – don’t worry, it won’t. Employees will generally be grateful that you are taking the issue so seriously.
And let’s face it, nobody – employer or employee wants their Christmas or career ruined by something which can easily be avoided.
