Office Christmas Parties – How to protect your business during the festive season

End of year Christmas parties are a great way to celebrate your business achievements for the year and also to thank your staff for their contributions.  However, there are instances where employees can get out of hand and become a liability for your business. 

To avoid this happening to your business following these 4 keys steps:

1 - HAVE YOUR POLICIES IN PLACE

Be prepared in case something happens.  Ensure that your harassment, bullying and appropriate workplace behaviour policies are in place and communicated to staff so they are aware of what is deemed as acceptable behaviour.

2 - ENSURE YOUR PARTY HAS A START AND FINISH TIME

Nominate a start and finish time indicating that duration of the work function, do not leave the finish time open as this may leave you open to liability if employees choose to continue on and have an “after party.

3 - MONITOR ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION

As a business, you have a duty of care to your employees to provide a safe environment and you need to ensure you have strategies in place to manage the consumption of alcohol.  If an employee is intoxicated and acting disorderly Management should intervene, if required remove the employee from the event and ensure that they return home safely.

4 - REVIEW TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS

Ensure employees have access to safe transport home.  Tahis can include organising shuttle buses, providing cab vouchers or holding an event close to public transport.