Christmas parties and acceptable conduct

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After a couple of shaky years, the annual tradition of staff Christmas parties is likely back on the table for most companies in 2022.

As exciting as this can be for a lot of the staff, it pays to remember to cover all eventualities to ensure that things run as smoothly as possible, preventing any of the nightmare stories most of us have likely heard at one time or another.

Here are some simple things to consider:

HR policies

Having your ground rules laid out from day one is a very helpful resource for all staff, as they understand that when they join the company they are adhering to a specific set of rules at all times – including at work gatherings such as Christmas parties.

We all know that most people have the common sense and decency to conduct themselves in a respectable manner. But in the unfortunate event of a breach of conduct, it can be made clear in disciplinary proceedings that all staff must be aware of the rules they have agreed to adhere to.

At the bar

A free bar can be a fantastic gesture to staff, but maybe this should be limited either by budget on the night or by restricting the number of free drinks offered to any one person.

You’re happy with people enjoying themselves, but at the same time you don’t want to either give people an excuse to go completely crazy – or at the other end of the spectrum – make people feel pressured to drink.

On the road

Make sure that you clearly signpost the local taxi numbers to staff before the event and on the night, or maybe even offer to pay travel fees incurred by using licenced taxis.

Alternatively (or also) you could pick a venue that is well suited to other forms of public transport, such at buses and trains. Allowing ‘+1s’ to attend as designated drivers may get around the potential issue of drink driving also.

Social media

As with HR policy, a reminder may be in order that anything posted either at or about the Christmas party will be done as an extension of workplace rules. Anything that is deemed inappropriate and/or may bring the company into disrepute will be treated as it would be in normal working circumstances.

Mandating attendance

Generally, attendance of Christmas gatherings should not be mandatory. In roles where networking is part of the job, it may be that an employer instructs such employees to do so. In such circumstances it may be deemed a disciplinary matter if an employee doesn’t attend after being advised to, but making such demands should be cautiously approached.

In cases when dealing with a protected characteristic, such as a pregnant employee or one religiously prohibited from drinking – mandates should not be enforced in fear of a potential claim for discrimination.

Inappropriate behaviour

Sexual harassment is, sadly, the most likely of the complaints to arise from the aftermath from staff Christmas party season. Note also, that an attending member of the group could also complain about the actions or treatment of another even if it isn’t aimed towards them.

Having a working environment where all staff can feel safe in the knowledge that such activities can be reported to management, and that they will be handled in the correct manner, is best.

Afterparties

it is wise that afterparties be discouraged by management. Even if an afterparty takes place outside of company time and away from working premises, employers can potentially still be held vicariously liable for negative events occurring.

In the Bellman v Northampton Recruitment Court of Appeal case, a managing director was held liable for a serious assault against an employee at a post-Christmas party gathering, after it was cited that the manager breached the trust of his professional stature.

In conclusion

Most of the time, any given staff social event – if properly organised – is likely going to run smoothly and be remembered by the team as a fun bonding experience and a chance to wind down with the people they spend a great deal of their year working alongside.

In the event that something does go wrong, if the framework was in place from the beginning and all procedures are correctly followed, your team will be reassured that misdemeanours are dealt with seriously and that staff worries are taken onboard with the seriousness they deserve.

So with all that in mind, go and have a wonderful time with your team at your staff Christmas party this year!

Christmas parties and acceptable conduct

After a couple of shaky years, the annual tradition of staff Christmas parties is likely back on the table for most companies in 2022.

In conclusion

Further reading

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