Managing risk at work Christmas parties
What a better way to thank your employees for all of their hard work and persistence throughout the year, than with a Christmas party.
If your practice does decide to hold a Christmas party, there are a few aspects that we recommend you consider during the event preparation, and while the event is taking place to mitigate as many risks as possible.
Employers have a duty of care, as well as liability as an employer, to provide a safe workplace to their staff (including any events that are in connection with employment).
Review all workplace policies and conduct a policy refresher meeting with staff members
Reviewing workplace policies and conducting a policy refresher meeting with staff in the lead up to and before the function, will ensure all staff members are familiar with the policies and procedure of the practice. This will ensure staff are aware of the expectations of the workplace, and consequently the expectations at the Christmas party. Don’t forget your Code of Conduct!
Ensure all staff are aware the function is work related and remind staff any misconduct may result in disciplinary action
This may sound like something that is so simple. However, this is a very important piece of information to be communicated to staff members. This is because although the Christmas party may not be in the ‘typical’ work environment, all work policies and procedures still apply.
Ensure you have established means to control and limit the service of alcohol if it is present at a work function
To ensure the service and consumption of alcohol is done so in a responsible manner, it is recommended food be provided in comparison to the amount of alcohol provided. Additionally, you could provide drink tokens to staff members or limit the amount of drinks per person if attending a venue.
Nominate one or more responsible person(s) while at the function
Having a delegated person or persons at the Christmas party will ensure the safety and supervision of staff members.
Set a clear and defined end time for the event and make it known to employees that any continuation of the function is not work-related
If a clear and defined end time is made known to all staff members, it allows them to acknowledge an appropriate duration of the party, and thus when to begin winding down. If staff wish to party on past the finishing time of the party, the employer must make them aware any activities past the finishing time are not work-related.
Ensure staff have safe transportation options to get home from the function
As mentioned above, part of your responsibility as an employer is to provide a safe workplace to all staff, which includes making it home safely/have a safe way to get home from the Christmas party. This may include ordering a staff member a taxi, or ensuring a disorderly staff member goes home with another staff member.
We hope you have a great Christmas party with your team to celebrate your achievements in 2021.