Integrity HR Human Resources Blog

Human Resources Issues: The Holiday Party, Part II

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We recently addressed the issue of alcohol at the holiday office party. However, that isn't the only potential human resources related "pitfall" companies need to be aware of when planning the big shindig. Here are a few other things to keep in mind when planning your office holiday party:

• 1) Do not imply that attendance is mandatory. Even if the party is onsite and during work hours, you need to be certain not to give the impression that employees must attend. Some employees have religious beliefs that prevent them from attending holiday parties; others simply are too uncomfortable in social situations to do so. If the party is during work hours and employees will be paid during their attendance, you may give employees who do not wish to attend the option of either continuing to work or of clocking out and being paid out for the rest of the scheduled work day.
  
• 2) Make sure managers realize they are still "on-duty". Have a discussion with managers to remind them that their responsibilities as managers of the company do not take a break during the party. They are still managers and, while everyone is encouraged to have a good time and enjoy one another as friends, they are expected to still behave as professionally as always. They also need to be diligent and observant of the behavior around them - not just the abuse of alcohol, but also potential sexual harassment scenarios, inappropriate jokes or conversations that may be offensive to others.
  
• 3) Don't show them the money. Unless every person is getting the same amount, resist the impulse to give out bonus checks at a holiday party. People get excited at parties and may share information they wouldn't otherwise.
  
• 4) Appropriate attire required. Take every opportunity to remind employees that this is a fun business event. Especially when discussing appropriate attire. If you've had a problem in the past with employees not choosing wisely, you may wish to make the party directly after work, so that their festive party clothes must also be office appropriate.
  
• 5) Really think twice about dancing. Yes, it can be very elegant, and for young generations it can liven up what otherwise could be a boring corporate event. However, it can also be another opportunity for employees to fail to use good judgment, whether dancing alone, or with a colleague's spouse.

The holiday office party is something many employees look forward to all season long.  It's a great time to socialize with your coworkers in a casual way that you usually don't get to do.  Unfortunately, it can also be an opportunity to let a little bad judgment ruin a good reputation and alienate colleagues.  With a little foresight, structure, and help from your management team, however, you can help to guarantee an evening of celebration without the morning after regrets.

Submitted by: Paula Agee, SPHR; Senior Consultant with IntegrityHR, Inc.

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