This week we are going to send you a daily blog on surviving
the festive season. Enjoy!
During the festive season many businesses organise Christmas
parties, lunches and after work drinks for their employees. Whilst it is
recognised that these events can generate improved team morale, they can also
leave managers with more than a hangover the following day. Here are a few top tips on surviving the
festive season.
- A Christmas lunch or drinks
organised by work will be an extension of the workplace, so employers remain
liable for acts of discrimination and harassment that occur during them. It is a good idea to brief employees before
the event about the need for sensible behaviour. You may also wish to appoint a ‘sensible
person’ to keep an eye on things on the night so that the event doesn’t get out
of control.
- It is worth briefing
entertainers and speakers in advance to ensure that their material is suitable
and won’t cause offence.
- Try to make the event as inclusive
as possible – serve non-alcoholic drinks and ensure the food is suitable for
all religions.
- Encourage your employees to consider
how they are going to get home or order
taxis/coaches for them.
Finally, think about the morning after. Are you going to turn a blind eye to late
arrivals? Make sure your employees know
what is expected of them. You may also
need to consider whether employees will be able to carry out their job safely
the following morning, particularly where they operate machinery or drive as
part of their job.
Tomorrow we will be looking at the perils of using social media over the festive period.
Petra Venton
During the festive season many businesses organise Christmas
parties, lunches and after work drinks for their employees. Whilst it is
recognised that these events can generate improved team morale, they can also
leave managers with more than a hangover the following day. Here are a few top tips on surviving the
festive season.