The holiday season is fast approaching! The weather is getting warmer, people are preparing to wind down, and staff parties have started. A recipe for good fun, but also an opportunity for situations to go off-track. There are also health, safety, and wellbeing implications to be aware of, as generally work events and functions are an extension of the workplace.

To help ensure staff have fun but keep safe at work-organised events too, you might consider having guidelines around expected behaviours and responsibilities.

These guidelines might include:

Having sufficient food available when providing alcohol
Having non-alcoholic beverage options readily available
Location venues and transport options clarified
Who is responsible for an event, and agreement around how it is run
A reminder that company policies and rules still apply at work events
What action may occur if staff breach the guidelines
Overall, a theme to celebrate together, but to take care of each other too.

While these guidelines aren’t just for the silly season (staff and client events and functions can happen year-round) it’s a timely reminder to be prepared.

If you ‘d like advice around what guidelines or policies should include and how to effectively implement these in your business, please get in touch with HR Associate. If your business is in a situation where something has gone wrong, we can help too.

This information is general guidance only, and you should not solely rely on this information; specific advice should be sought for your situation.