Work Christmas parties are no joke if the debauchery gets out of control

From casual Friday night drinks to extravagant staff parties, these get-togethers give employees the opportunity to…
get together and celebrate your achievements for the year.

However, with the holiday spirit comes the responsibility of ensuring health and safety, especially when alcohol is part of the equation.

An employer’s duty to provide a healthy and safe working environment under the Health and Safety Act may well apply to an end-of-year Christmas party.

If the party is organized, promoted or sponsored by the employer (in part or in full), it can be considered an extension of the workplace.

It is vital that employers are aware of their responsibilities when alcohol is available. Don’t treat your Christmas party like you’re entering international waters.

Before the event, employers should take the time to remind employees of their expectations for behavior and responsibility.

Clear communication of the policy, including updates to any outdated rules of conduct, is vital.

Emphasizing the importance of respect and professionalism is especially important, even in a festive setting where the atmosphere may be more casual.

Having a responsible event organizer can greatly improve safety and accountability.

This person must abstain from drinking alcohol in order to effectively monitor the situation and intervene if necessary.

A responsible organizer can provide valuable oversight, ensuring that the event remains enjoyable and safe for everyone.

Involving employees in planning can help develop a sense of ownership and responsibility among employees.

This collaborative approach can improve the overall experience while emphasizing the importance of safety.

Offering nutritious meals and a variety of non-alcoholic drinks can help mitigate the effects of alcohol.

Monitoring your alcohol consumption is equally important. Employers should be vigilant in identifying excessive drinking and be prepared to intervene if necessary.

This could include stopping the supply of alcohol if the situation becomes problematic.

Additionally, encouraging employees to plan their trip home in advance or providing transportation options such as buses, taxi tickets, or Uber gift cards can help prevent unsafe situations.

Particular attention should also be paid to protecting young employees, especially those under 18, as it is illegal to supply them with alcohol without parental consent.

Despite careful planning, problems can still arise during social gatherings, often related to alcohol consumption.

While most functions are completed without incident, it is critical for employers to be prepared for potential problems.

Employers must also provide information about safe drinking practices and the legal consequences of excessive drinking.

It is vital to remind employees of drink driving laws and the zero alcohol limit for drivers under 20 years of age.

The New Zealand Transport Agency’s Waka Kotahi website provides information about legal drinking limits and safe driving, and emphasizes that if someone plans to drink, they should also plan not to drive.

Employers should be prepared to respond appropriately to any complaints of conduct, as actions taken in the workplace may have disciplinary consequences.

It is important for employers to consider the context of any alleged misconduct and its potential impact on the workplace.

Allegations of inappropriate jokes, verbal abuse, or physical altercations may require a range of responses, ranging from informal discussions to formal disciplinary action, depending on the severity of the incident.

Once the function has been fulfilled, employers should be careful not to jump to conclusions about possible violations.

Memories may vary, so it is important to follow the correct process.

A thorough approach ensures fairness and helps maintain trust between employers and employees.

If formal action is considered necessary, we advise that professional or external advice is sought before taking any action.

As businesses prepare for Christmas events, health and safety must remain a top priority.

With proper planning, these gatherings can be a celebration of success and camaraderie while reflecting the true spirit of the season.

Ultimately, when health and safety are a priority, everyone can fully enjoy the holiday spirit.