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.
