Protocols to follow with the holiday office party

December 2, 2017

Each year, employers ask a myriad of questions about the annual holiday office party.

Here are the top six questions and answers:

QUESTION: If we serve alcohol and someone drinks and drives, are we liable?

 ANSWER: The short answer is probably not, so long as the event is purely voluntary for employees to attend. However, you don’t want this to happen regardless.

Consider issuing drink tickets and limiting them to two per person, as well as hiring a bartender who can assess anyone who has had too much to drink and refuse service. Also, consider serving just beer and wine to prevent guests doing shots and other high-alcohol behaviors.

Employers also can offer an Uber service. However, avoid driving anyone home who has had too much to drink unless there is no other alternative. You put yourself at significant risk by getting into a vehicle alone with an intoxicated employee. What he/she says happened happened.

QUESTION: Should we invite spouses/guests?

ANSWER: Employers should invite a spouse or guest for all employees, as this will significantly reduce the likelihood of sexual harassment and other inappropriate behaviors. Guests/spouses tend to keep employees in check while at the party.

QUESTION: Should the party be mandatory?

ANSWER: The party should be purely voluntary. This is not a “work” event, and you aren’t paying non-exempt employees their hourly rate unless the party is during working time.

A surprising number of employees don’t want to associate in this way, and object to drinking or celebrating holidays. Be sensitive and don’t assume an employee is anti-social because the employee fails to attend. Make sure that employees know that they are not required to attend.

QUESTION: Should we give gifts at the party?

ANSWER: Everyone loves a raffle, and this gives employees something to do if they can put tickets into a jar to raffle off prizes.

Of course, the raffle can’t be gambling (for instance, no one pays to participate). Offer fun items such as electronics, food and house items, and even a day off or parking space. This might get more employees to attend as well.

QUESTION: When should we hold the party?

ANSWER: The party ideally is a relatively short, about two to three hours, and early in the evening such as 6-8 p.m. or 6-9 p.m.

The problem with holding an early party is that there is sure to be the “after party” at a local bar. I’ve had plenty of investigations around the after-party festivities where employees have their guards down and a little bit too much to drink. Despite this, having a party early is ideal because attendees will drink less at the office event.

QUESTION: Should we allow/encourage dancing?

ANSWER: Nothing good comes from coworkers twerking on the dance floor together. Avoid having a space for dancing.

You’ve had a successful holiday party if it’s a little boring, people eat good food, have fun with a raffle, mingle and drink a couple drinks and then go home.

Make sure that everyone knows that the rules around workplace behavior extend to the office party.