The staff Christmas party – is it worth it?

Given the opportunity, all employees like to let their hair down every now and then. Especially at Christmas, when the infamous Christmas party often results in hangovers for staff and HR headaches for the boss!

A common sense approach remains the best advice from The HR Dept to avoid the annual pitfalls of the staff Christmas party. The HR Dept has provided top tips for throwing a hassle-free Christmas party:

·         Above all, plan something that is easy to manage

·         An open bar is best to avoid as it encourages people to drink to excess

·         Remind staff about their conduct during the party and that the staff party is an extension of the workplace

·         Arrange transport home if possible

·         Try to ensure that staff do not have to be in early the next day

·         Use the Christmas party as an opportunity to boost morale but remember not everyone likes parties

·         Bear in mind that if certain behaviour is something your mother would disapprove of, it is probably best not to do it.

Simon Morgan, Director of The HR Dept [North Kent and South East London] says: “it is also worth bearing in mind that employees have landed themselves in hot water for posting inappropriate comments on social networking sites such as facebook and twitter. Ensure your employees know your policy before they are tempted to voice their opinions”.

The HR Dept is far from being ‘bah-humbug’ as there is still such value in the annual Christmas bash to thank staff for their hard work throughout the year. It is just unfortunate that the stories that reach the press are usually about the ‘fallout’ and the inevitable Tribunal claims!