The Do’s and Don’ts of Attending a Holiday Work Party
Holiday parties are just around the corner and can be great ways to show appreciation for employees, as well as building camaraderie by creating a fun, relaxing atmosphere for employees to socialize together. Good food, a nice atmosphere, and free alcohol can be a recipe for a fun party, but it can also lead to severely negative consequences when employees and employers forget one very important rule – you are still at work!
Early in my career, I took on the case of an employee who attended the company holiday party, which was hosted at a nightclub. There was little by way of food, and even less by way of supervision, but there was plenty of free alcohol and hard drugs. The tragic consequences were unfortunately predictable. This kind of combination can lead to employees overdosing on drugs and alcohol, maybe getting sick enough to require medical attention. At worst, it can lead to one employee seriously hurting another one.
What are the do’s and don’ts of attending a holiday work party?
Employees attending holiday parties need to remember that, despite the festive atmosphere, they are at a work function and are expected to always conduct themselves according to the employer’s code of conduct. This means that excessive intoxication of alcohol or cannabis is inappropriate, as is the use of illegal drugs. And while these parties encourage socialization and fun, remember that inappropriate comments and behaviour can cross the line at a holiday party just as easily as during a regular workday. This goes not just for jokes or antics, but any sexual or romantic advances or inappropriate touching of another coworker.
Employees should also remember that they are representing the employer at these parties, especially if they decide to make any posts about them on social media. Posting oneself or coworkers doing inappropriate things at the holiday party can constitute misconduct, even if they initially go unnoticed. Your employer could have the right to disciple you for this type of behaviour if seen as misconduct.
If you are unsure about what is expected or acceptable at holiday parties, you should familiarize yourself with the company’s code of conduct and guidelines around alcohol, drugs, social media, and acceptable behaviour.
What are your employer’s responsibilities during a holiday work party?
Your employer has the same responsibilities and liabilities at the holiday party as they do in a work environment. This means your employer has a responsibility to address any misconduct at holiday parties as they would in the office, including complaints of harassment.
How can Whitten and Lublin help?
If you are an employee who has experienced harm or discipline as a result of an incident at your company’s holiday party, Whitten & Lublin is here to assist you. Contact us online or by phone at (416) 640-2667.
Author – Aaron Zaltzman