The holiday season is a time of celebration and indulgence, and a great way to highlight the achievements of the past year. But with every Christmas party comes great responsibility — employers must keep their employees safe.
Four top tips for ensuring a Christmas party is remembered for all the right reasons:
- Remind staff about drink-driving laws. Ensure that staff have a transport plan travelling to and from Christmas work events. Reiterate the rules about alcohol and company vehicles.
- Staff are under your watch. As an employer, remember your business is responsible for after-work functions where alcohol is served, whether the party takes place at the office or an outside venue.
- If something goes wrong, bring in HR. HR departments are designed to handle employee incidents, and if something needs to be reported, they need to know. Poor behaviour at a work event can lead to disciplinary cases. It’s vital to log issues through the proper channels.
- Have a sober senior staff member. While you might be off the clock, ensure at least one senior staff member remains alcohol-free during the festivities. A responsible host should be in place to deal with emergencies and ensure everyone gets home safe and sound.
Disclaimer: This blog has been carefully prepared, but it has been written in general terms only. The blog should not be relied upon to provide specific information without also obtaining appropriate professional advice after detailed examination of your particular situation.
