In the next two to three weeks, most companies will be holding their company holiday parties, and with that will come a lot of risk. Without the appropriate precautionary measures, legal consequences can quickly dampen the festive nature of these company-sponsored events. With the growth of social media, that last thing you want is a picture of yourself dancing on the table posted on YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Also, almost 40 percent of all holiday traffic fatalities involve alcohol. Here are a few thoughts as you start planning for your company event.
Do Some Pre Planning
- Make it clear that employees are not required to attend as a condition of their employment.
- Remind employees of your harassment policy.
- Remind employees that the company policies apply to events outside of the normal work hours.
- Don’t have gift exchanges, they never work. If you must, gifts should be business and family appropriate.
- Do not conduct business at the company party.
- Do ever have an open bar, always use a restaurant or licensed bar tender.
- Provide alternative transportation options.
- Offer food and alternatives to alcohol.
- Card everyone who attends.
- You can limit drinks by using a vouchers or ticket systems.
- Do not hang mistletoe, ever.
- Invite spouses and even other family members.