Your workplace party checklist
It’s that time of the year again, where we celebrate our successes after putting in the hard yards. For others, it’s all hands on deck to maximise sales over the festive season and new year.
One thing we can all agree on is that we want to celebrate with our team without the drama of any incidents after a few too many drinks.
Here are 10 simple ways to empower your business to have a happy and hassle free festive season:
Venue selection: Try to pick a venue that is walking distance to public transport to help make sure your team gets home safely after the party. Alternatively, provide transport for team members to get home, or remind them to organise ahead of time for someone to pick them up.
RSA: Provide wrist bands for your team who are 18 or over to assist the venue with responsible service of alcohol ("RSA"). Be mindful that what is considered responsible drinking at a work function is most likely to different to what the venue will accept.
Hazards: Assess the venue for any hazards that could cause an injury and block access to these areas if possible. Be mindful that even responsible service of alcohol can inhibit or impair a person's coordination and reaction times.
Food and drinks: Ensure the venue provides substantial food and non alcoholic drink options. Make water readily accessible and encourage the team to drink plenty of it.
Policies: Ensure your anti-bullying, harassment/sexual harassment and discrimination policy, grievance policy, social media policy, drug and alcohol use policy, work health and safety policy and code of conduct policies are updated.
Communicate standards: Ensure your team are reminded about these policies, what is and isn’t acceptable behaviour and that they are responsible for themselves and one another. Let the team know what the potential consequences are if their behaviour is inappropriate or brings your business into disrepute.
Dress code and after party: Send out an email to the team prior to the party letting them know what the dress code is and that your business policies are still applicable as it is a work function. Make it clear when the work party starts and finishes, and that any activities after the party are not endorsed by your business.
Sober Bob: It’s important to have some designated senior managers that will not be drinking alcohol, so that they are able to look out for the team, prevent excessive drinking and intervene if a team member’s behaviour is inappropriate.
Safety first: Be mindful of whether your team members are required to work the day after your celebration. Enforcing your inebriation policy will be especially important on the day after a company party, and you should be particularly stringent when it comes to those employees who may be operating vehicles or heavy machinery. You do not want your employees putting themselves or your company at risk.
Respect: Your team should be encouraged to exercise restraint, remain respectful, and drink responsibly. Save your employees - and yourself - the headaches and more serious consequences of any festive fallouts.
If you'd like help to develop or review existing policies to protect your business in the festive season, or any time, contact us today by clicking here.
