The Holiday Season is just around the corner. Employers often choose this festive time of year to thank employees for a job well done, but this opportunity does come with its fair share of ethical and legal responsibilities.
For starters, employers must take all of the necessary measures to protect the health, safety and dignity of their employee’s, even if the party is held at an exterior venue or takes place after normal business hours.
Every reasonable effort must be made to prevent all forms of psychological or sexual harassment. Employers must also protect each individual employee’s right to privacy, even more so in this age of social media, where pictures and news travel at the speed of light.
Limit alcohol intake by systematically avoiding all forms of ʺopen-barʺ service. Offer flexible solutions to make sure your employees arrive home safely such as; designated drivers, taxi coupons, or even hotel discounts.
Be creative, forgo the traditional employees-only party at the office and open the invitation to spouses. Obviously, this will cost more, but it will practically eliminate, or at the least minimize, those unfortunate incidents that take place in the absence of spouses or outside observers.
Finally, send a written memo to participants a few days ahead of the festivities to remind them that, as always, in the event of inappropriate or irresponsible behaviour, the company will not hesitate to impose sanctions.