With Christmas or end of year parties in full flow, it’s a great time to come together and celebrate everything from 2024.
However with an HR hat on there are hints and tips to hopefully avoid any fall-out:
Before the party, put a reminder out on expected behaviours to ensure all attendees are aware of the company’s policy on behavioural expectations at work events. If you’re on a site where people aren’t always on email, think how else they can get these messages – maybe a start of shift briefing
Be inclusive: remember that lots of people don’t drink alcohol for many reasons – whether it be religious reasons, experience with dependency, health reasons – or for something they don’t feel the need to justify! Accept that and keep company paid drinks to a minimum
When at a work party, the company is still liable so as an employer you have a duty of care to your employees
Employers should ensure there is a specific anti-harassment policy in writing which clearly communicates the organisations zero-tolerance approach towards harassment of any form, but particularly sexual harassment given the recent changes. Alongside this, managers should also be given adequate training about potential risks and what 'reasonable steps' could be taken to prevent sexual harassment occurring
Some people just don’t want to attend, and that’s ok
Is there a quiet area for those that may need it
Have you thought about safety and how people get home?
If you have a drugs & alcohol / substance misuse policy, ensure people are reminded about it. For example you may want to encourage people to book the next day as holiday if they plan to have a few drinks
Cater for all dietary needs including intolerances and allergies etc
If any allegations are raised, investigate promptly. As we know from recent high profile cases it could be some time after the event that things are revealed
Although these reminders can cause some moans, it is far better to be prepared. Now that’s out of the way, hopefully your end of year parties are a great success and you can come together and celebrate!
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