What the Pros Know
SOME SUGGESTIONS
There is NO need to throw the company holiday party
to the wayside in the 21st Century. You just have to
be smarter and protect yourself. Company parties are
a great opportunity to celebrate the holidays, mingle
and relax with coworkers. So here are a few simple
guidelines to minimize potential liability and/or issues:
Now more company parties take
place over the lunch hour,
than in the evening.
INVITATIONS:
Avoid any discrimination, and remember when
inviting employees, invite them all. Don’t exclude
anyone or any department. If you plan on inviting
spouses be sure the invite includes both spouses and
domestic partners, and be very specific whether or
not children are included. Also, be crystal clear that
attending is NOT mandatory.
ALCOHOL:
Here is your biggest risk factor. When you serve
alcohol at a party you are accepting responsibility
for your guests. Make sure plenty of non-alcoholic
beverage options are available, serve food to
avoid anyone drinking on empty stomachs, and
consider having designated drivers or cabs available
for transportation if need be. Having a licensed
caterer provide the alcohol service is highly
recommended regardless of where your party is being
held.
BEHAVIOR:
Don’t let your party become an environment for
problems. Consider a dress code and encourage
spouses and significant others to attend. Remember,
particularly with social media, what happens at the
holiday party does not necessarily stay at the holiday
party. Keep it as professional as possible.
Your business holiday party can and should be a fun
and rewarding experience. There are many options and
things to consider. Keep it simple and at the office, if
space permits, or move off site to a banquet facility or
restaurant where you can really put work aside. Most
importantly plan, be organized and be responsible!
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