(from the November 2008 newsletter)
Company holiday parties are a great chance for employees to celebrate a successful year of business, recognize and reward employees for their hard work and provide them opportunity to mix and mingle and get to know each other outside of the workplace. They can also be a human resource tight rope walk, as employers try to create a fun event while mitigating risk to the company and keep their employees safe. A few DOs and DON’Ts can make a world of difference and ensure everyone has a good time.
Employers DO need to plan ahead on sticky HR issues. Will you serve alcohol? If you do, DON’T let employees pour – hire a professional bar tender trained in cutting guests off when they have had enough. DO hand out drink tickets (typically not more than two) and DON’T go the route of an open bar. Hosting a company-sponsored event means the company could be held liable for an employee’s behavior. This includes harassment, a workers’ compensation claim (in certain states) and drunk driving following the event.
DO have non-alcoholic drinks available and serve high protein foods to help off set the effects of alcohol. DO remind employees prior to the event that company functions are still a reflection of the company. They remain business functions.
DO make sure your employees understand that attendance at the social event is voluntary, particularly if you are calling it a “holiday” party. Many companies are moving to year-end celebrations to balance the needs and interests of all of their employees; some of whom celebrate different holidays or none at all.
Employees DO need to realize that they are solely responsible for their conduct and behavior at the party, just as much as if they were back in the office. DON’T assume your actions won’t follow you back to the office come Monday morning.
Out of courtesy to your coworkers, DON’T assume everyone celebrates the same holiday. DO avoid controversial subjects when conversing (such as religion, politics, etc.) and off-color jokes. DO interact with respect and courtesy toward everyone present.
DON’T spend all evening talking about work. You work shoulder to shoulder with your coworkers for a large portion of each day. Get to know their hobbies and personal interests. DO enjoy yourself and have some fun!
