With Christmas party season here, many employers are now concerned
about the possible disciplinary and grievance issues that may
follow. Ensure that your Christmas party is memorable for all the
right reasons by planning ahead to minimise the risk of any
potential complaints.

Ensure that staff are aware that the party is a work related
activity. Policies such as anti-discrimination, bullying &
harassment will still apply at the party and on the way home
afterwards, and it may be worth bringing them to the attention of
your employees before the party.

Actively discourage employees from driving after the party if they
intend to drink alcohol. Consider this when planning the venue of
the party – is it easily accessible by public transport/ taxis.

If you are supplying free drinks for your employees set a limit as
to the number of drinks allowed per individual and communicate this
before the party. Also ensure that soft drinks are as freely
available as alcoholic drinks.

If employees are attending parties organised by customer/ clients
then ensure they are aware of what standards of behaviour are
expected of them. As they are acting as a representative of the
Company they should treat it as a work related activity.

Prior to the party, communicate with all staff that they could be
subject to disciplinary action if they fail to turn up to work due
to over-indulgence, or if they turn up for work intoxicated.

Remember to invite members of staff who are away from the workplace
due to absences such as maternity/ paternity leave or sick leave.

If grievances are raised or disciplinary situations arise as a
result of the Christmas party, it is important that they are taken
seriously and that proper procedures are followed.

On the whole, remember that this is a great opportunity for your
employees to mix and socialise in a relaxed informal setting as
well as an excellent opportunity for you as an employer to show
your appreciation and thanks for work done over the past year.

To find out more on how Deminos can make sure your contracts,
policies, procedures and practices meet the statutory requirements
ring us today – tomorrow may be too late! Call 0191 460 1111
or e-mail at info@deminos.co.uk

This entry was posted on Thursday, December 11th, 2008 at 4:46 pm and is filed under Human Resources. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.