Employers advised to plan ahead for Christmas party fall-out
16-11-2006
Workplace rights consultancy Acas has advised employers to plan ahead to avoid the potential fall-out from the office Christmas party.
Many businesses look forward to the Christmas party as a chance to relax, but stories abound of workers getting overexcited and acting out of character, such as photocopying parts of their anatomy, the organisation warned.
It listed a range of areas that companies should think about to make sure that the party was fun for everyone, including making sure that entertainment and music catered for all age ranges and did not discriminate.
Companies should also make sure they provide plenty of non-alcoholic drinks and make it clear to staff that disciplinary action will be taken if they do not come in the next day and over-indulgence is suspected, it advised.
In addition, they were advised to think about contingency travel arrangements for staff who have been drinking but are planning to drive home, as well as ensuring that employees whose religion prohibits gambling are not pressured to buy raffle tickets.
"Don't let potential hazards put you off organising something for Christmas," said Acas chair Rita Donaghy.
"Staff will feel valued if you treat them right. Think about asking them what they want to do and ask for suggestions on how to cater for any problems upfront."
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