Where
indeed?
It is
the definition of fun in regards to a Christmas party that needs some refining:
A
social meet up at Christmas to thank staff members for their
contribution to the business, whether paid for or not.
The
problem is that there are so many stories that come out of Christmas parties
that it means it can all sound like employment law and HR is the Christmas
Grinch!
Though
it may not sound like the Christmas spirit the reality is a business can be
liable for the action of their staff and be the ones footing any legal bill.
HR
Dept top tips for a Christmas Party without further cost;
- Make sure all of your staff (including directors) are aware that the Christmas party is an extension of the workplace. Yes, people should enjoy themselves but as a business owner you have a responsibility to them and you could be the one picking up the pieces
- Ask employees to use their common sense. Regardless of where you hold it, they are employees representing your business brand
- Be mindful if you have any staff under the age of 18
- If the party is in the office, keep the photocopier out of bounds
- Have a range of food and soft drinks available so that individuals religious observance is catered for
- If the staff do is during the week, make clear that everyone is expected at their desks at normal time the following day - or organise it on a Friday!
We aren’t part of the ban the Christmas party brigade,
it is these and many other untold stories that did not hit the media serve
as a reminder of an employer’s liability when organising an event that should
be seen as reward and time of enjoyment.
