The holiday season is a great opportunity for businesses to reward employees for their hard work with a celebratory holiday party. These parties can boost morale, strengthen employee bonds, and help set the tone for a positive start to the new year. According to a survey by Eventbrite, 85% of employers believe that Christmas parties improve staff morale and help keep employees motivated.
Despite their benefits, when holiday parties are not handled with care, they can quickly go from celebration to disaster. A work party can expose companies to significant risks, including sexual harassment claims, physical or verbal altercations between employees, and car accidents involving employees driving under the influence from alcohol consumed at the party. In order to protect themselves, business owners must ensure that holiday events are managed and executed in a way that minimizes risks while maximizing the benefits.
Planning Ahead to Mitigate Risk
A successful holiday party without negative consequences requires thoughtful planning. Consider the following strategies to protect your business and employees:
- Set Clear Expectations
Before the event, remind employees about company policies and expectations around appropriate behavior. Emphasize that while the holiday party is a time to relax and have fun, it is still an extension of the workplace, and all workplace conduct policies are in effect.
- Designate an HR or Leadership Point of Contact
Assign an HR person or leadership person to be a point of contact should an issue arise during the party. Letting employees know that there is a designated HR leader at the party can help deter inappropriate behavior and provide comfort to employees knowing they have someone to turn to in case something goes wrong.
- Limit Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol is typically served at holiday parties but employers should be aware of the way that it can impair judgment and lead to inappropriate or unsafe behavior. In order to reduce the risk, employers can provide a limited number of drink tickets per person and hire professional bartenders to serve alcohol who can cut people off when they are showing signs of intoxication. It’s also important to offer non-alcoholic beverages and serve a hearty meal.
- Arrange Transportation Options
To reduce the risk of drunk driving accidents after your holiday party, it’s a good idea to offer transportation alternatives such as rideshare services or provide vouchers for taxis, Uber, or shuttles.
Preventing and Addressing Sexual Harassment Issues at Holiday Parties
Holiday work parties create a high risk for sexual harassment as employees with workplace crushes become emboldened with alcohol. Here are steps to help prevent sexual harassment at workplace parties:
- Review Anti-Harassment Policies. Before the event, send your company’s anti-harassment policy to all employees and lay out the consequences of violating these policies.
- Provide Manager Training. Train managers on how to recognize and address inappropriate behavior between employees. Ask managers to be prepared to step in and de-escalate situations, if needed.
- Lead by Example. When the business owner and other company leaders are present and behaving well during the party, it can help to deter inappropriate behavior. Leaders should remain sober and act professionally to ensure everyone feels safe and included.
Managing Altercations or Conflicts Between Employees
While holiday parties are typically a lot of fun, disagreements or altercations can happen. It’s a good idea to be prepared in case some unpleasant behavior surfaces:
- Hire Security or Event Staff. Depending on the size and type of event your company has planned, you may want to consider having security on hand to quietly handle any issues.
- Be Mindful of Inclusivity. Ensure you plan a theme and activities that are inclusive and considerate of all employees’ backgrounds and preferences. Planning an inclusive event can prevent employees from feeling excluded, which can sometimes lead to conflicts.
- Address Any Issues Immediately. If a situation arises, address it promptly and respectfully. Follow up with those involved after the event to ensure their concerns are resolved.
Reducing Liability for Driving Under the Influence
As an employer, you have a responsibility to prevent your employees from endangering themselves or others after consuming alcohol at a company-sponsored event. Follow these best practices to protect your business and your employees:
- Create an Early Cut-Off Time for Alcohol. Stop serving alcohol at least an hour before the event ends to give employees and their guests time to sober up.
- Offer Overnight Options. For larger gatherings, consider partnering with a nearby hotel to offer discounted rooms for employees.
- Encourage Employee Responsibility. Remind employees not to drink and drive, and let them know about the alternative transportation options you are offering.
How Seay Management Consultants Can Help
Holiday parties are a great way to show appreciation for your team, but they also come with risks that require careful management. At Seay Management Consultants, we specialize in helping businesses navigate sensitive employee matters, such as discipline and dismissal, preventing and resolving sexual harassment issues, and addressing employee conflicts. Our experienced consultants will work with you to ensure your workplace policies and practices protect both your employees and your business in your workplace and at company sponsored events.
When your business partners with us, you can confidently host holiday events that celebrate your team’s successes while ensuring a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment. Contact Seay Management Consultants today to learn more about how we can support your HR needs during the holidays and all year-round.
