Tis the Season to Be Jolly: HR Dos and Don’ts for Your Holiday Party

Sally Brandon
Nov 2
2 min read

TL;DR

Christmas is around the corner! Your office holiday party is a great chance for your team to relax, but remember, company policies still apply. This blog outlines key DOs and DON’Ts for employers and employees, ensuring fun while avoiding HR issues such as harassment, violence, or misconduct.

People in Santa hats dance joyfully at a party. One holds a red gift. Festive lights and a joyful mood are present. Indoors, warm lighting.

Introduction

Christmas is just around the corner, and I’m sure you are already thinking about the annual office holiday party. As an HR consultant in South East London, I want to help businesses enjoy festive celebrations while avoiding HR issues such as bringing the company into disrepute, sexual harassment, and violence. Below are some FAQs and practical dos and don’ts for a safe and enjoyable event.

Do the normal rules of gross misconduct apply at a holiday party?

Yes they do. Whether the party is held in or out of the office, it is considered an extension of the workplace. Acts of gross misconduct such as physical aggression, harassment, or property damage can justify disciplinary action, including summary dismissal. Even with alcohol involved, employers in South East London can start a disciplinary investigation if the incident is closely connected to work.

People holding sparklers and champagne glasses, wearing sparkly black outfits. Festive mood with glowing lights in a dark setting.

Tis the Season to Be Jolly: HR Dos and Don’ts for Your Holiday Party

Holiday parties are a chance for employees to relax, but what happens at the party is still under workplace rules.

Office holiday party with excited people in festive sweaters, a decorated Christmas tree, ornaments, and garlands; joyful atmosphere.

DOs for Employers

🎁 Invite all employees, even if absent due to sickness, maternity, or paternity leave.

🎁 Remind employees of company expectations and clearly define inappropriate behaviour.🎁 Control the amount of free alcohol and provide non-alcoholic drinks.

🎁 Cater for everyone’s dietary needs, including allergies.

🎁 Be prepared to handle any inappropriate behaviour consistently with company policy.

🎁 Avoid discussing career prospects or pay with employees.

🎁 Consider nominating a manager to remain sober to handle emergencies.

DON’Ts for Employers

❌ Make the party mandatory.

❌ Ask employees to pay for the party.

❌ Limit celebrations to Christmas; be inclusive of all faiths and cultures.

Two women in festive attire, wearing reindeer antlers, holding wine glasses, stand by a decorated Christmas tree, smiling warmly.

DOs for Employees

🎁 Have fun responsibly.

🎁 Plan your journey home safely (taxi, public transport, or hotel).

🎁 Know your alcohol limits and drink responsibly.

DON’Ts for Employees

❌ Forget you are effectively still at work, so behave accordingly.

❌ Drink excessively.

❌ Participate in offensive gossip or banter.

❌ Discuss pay rises with managers.

❌ Make unwelcome advances.

❌ Act violently or aggressively.

❌ Forget to enjoy yourself safely.

Red cocktails in martini glasses with sugar rims, set on a festive table with golden ornaments, in front of a decorated Christmas tree.

Need More Help?

Tis the Season to Be Jolly: If you need further guidance, book a free 30-minute no-obligation call. As an HR consultant in South East London, I can help ensure your holiday party is both fun and compliant.

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