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The Work Christmas Party: How to ensure you still have a job the next day

Our Christmas tradition has always been to write an article aimed at employers, giving guidance on how to prepare for the work Christmas party and how to deal with any unruly employees or unacceptable behaviour. This year we thought we’d issue some guidance directly to all employees.

Here are our top tips for ensuring that you still have your job the day after the Christmas party (tongue in cheek of course):

  1. Do not punch your boss. He or she may well be a [*insert appropriate expletive*], but it may be better to address any concerns you have via the Company’s grievance procedure.
  2. Do not drink if you’re under age and do not ask your colleagues to buy drinks for you (at least not the nice ones), as you could get them into trouble as well. You may also get the venue hosting into trouble and prevent your employer from holding future parties there. Don’t spoil it for everyone.
  3. Watch your potty mouth. Unacceptable language may bring the Company into disrepute. That having been said, if everyone is well oiled you may well be able to edge your bets that no-one will remember.
  4. Sexual advances or leery behaviour towards a colleague at the Christmas Party is not acceptable. This includes if it is in time to music on the dance floor – who even dances like that? Not only may your colleague allege sexual harassment, but your employer could be vicariously liable if they fail to take reasonable steps to deal with it. It’s their party too.
  5. If you are exchanging Secret Santa gifts at the Christmas party, ensure that your gift is not offensive or inappropriate. Alternatively, ensure that you don’t get found out and Secret Santa remains just that, a secret!
  6. Do not drive under the influence of alcohol. You can probably barely walk straight, what makes you think you can drive? If you lose your licence, you will need to rely on public transport and may not be able to get to work on time. It may be a requirement of your job that you hold a driving licence or you may lose the benefit of your Company Car.
  7. If you carry on partying after the official ‘works party’ it may still be considered to be a work related event. As such, see 1 – 6 above!

For advice on any employment law related matter, please contact Lianne Payne, Head of Employment:

Email: Lianne@askewslegal.co
Tel: 024 7623 1000