SEASONS GREETINGS!

Thank you for all your support and participation in our various courses and consultancy events during 2024. We wish you, your family, your colleagues and friends a very Happy Christmas and peaceful New Year. And of course for those celebrating other religious and non-religious events this year we extend the same seasonal greeting!

At this time of year many clients are holding festive events, parties and other celebrations. So, we end the year with eight tips to help you maintain a safe and comfortable workplace

during the festivities and beyond. Father Christmas is not an HR Officer but here are eight tips we are sure he would gift wrap!

1. With hybrid work setups, remote employees, and diverse cultural preferences, the traditional gathering may not be as practical or enjoyable for everyone. Consult and involve all staff in making arrangements. Consider alternative ideas.

2. Transforming your working space into a party floor will need some extra planning. Make sure decorations don’t obstruct exits, and set up food and drinks in a way that keeps walkways clear.

3. And if celebrating outside the office, check in with the venue on safety measures, emergency exits, and accessibility.

4. The right food can make or break a party. Ensure that cultural and dietary requirements are catered for, and label foods to avoid any allergens being overlooked.

5. If the event runs late or takes place at a distant venue, be sure to think about how your colleagues will get home. Encourage staff to travel in groups to help everyone get back safely.

6. Be social media aware! A cheeky photo or a quick post can spread faster than you can say ‘Merry Christmas!’ Encourage people to think before they share party snaps or comments online. 

7. And before the celebrations communicate your policies on conduct, harassment, and inclusivity. Let everyone know that while the goal is to have fun, professionalism is still important. The best way to prevent issues is to set expectations before the party even starts. In any pre-event communication, gently remind staff that, while the party is a chance to unwind, it’s still a work- sponsored event.

8. And you will know from our past three newsletters that the new Worker Protection Act means employers have a legal duty to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment, which extends to work-related events. This means being proactive in promoting respectful interactions and setting clear boundaries.

Finally

Disciplinary, grievance and external tribunal claims tend to peak after workplace celebrations. So, before the event, it’s a good idea to look over six policies that may come into play at a work-related social gathering. These include:

1. Disciplinary policies and procedures

2. Drugs and alcohol policy

3. Grievance policies and procedures

4. Health and Safety policy

5. Sexual Harassment policy

6. Social Media policy

We again wish you a very Happy Christmas and peaceful New Year!