Planning a work-social event?
Cover all bases when it comes to planning your social event or workplace Christmas party.
Although they’re a great opportunity to bring your people together, it is important to note that if you are hosting a social event for employees, whether management attend or not, it is an extension of the working environment.
Although work-socials are, by their description, a social event, organisations are still legally responsible for the health, safety and wellbeing of their employees. In other words, the business can be held liable for actions taken by employees if they cannot demonstrate that they took “reasonable steps” to prevent these actions from occurring. This can include situations where employees act inappropriately or behave in an aggressive or dangerous manner. Furthermore, the organisation can also be liable for any misconduct that occurs during any “after-party” activities or drinks.
FREE Guide
HR Considerations When Planning the Work Christmas Party
Work-Social Preparation Pack
Download the Danton HR Work-Social Preparation Pack
You will receive a link to download the files. The link will be active for 24 hours after initial download.
The Work-Social Preparation Pack contains:
Communication employees in advance of a party or work-related social event
Send this communication (or upload it to your HR portal) to employees in advance of a party or work-related social event, reminding them about expected standards of behaviour and possible penalties for breaching them.
Communication to management in advance of a party or work-related social event
Send this communication (or upload it to your HR portal) to managers in advance of a party or work-related social event, reminding them about expected standards of behaviour and possible penalties for breaching them. The letter also discourages managers from holding workplace discussions and only addressing workplace concerns during working time.
Behaviour at work-related social events policy
This policy outlines that the Company expects a responsible and acceptable standard of behaviour from employees at work-related social events, and that breaching this may result in disciplinary action.
Employee Code of Conduct
This policy outlines the main standards of behaviour that the company expects employees to adhere to and details the behaviour that the company would normally regard as gross misconduct.
Personal relationships at work policy
This policy outlines your organisation's approach to personal relationships at work. It covers employees' responsibilities, managers' responsibilities, a procedure for dealing with breaches of the policy, appeals and related policies.
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