If an end-of-year work party with employees is planned, it’s important to consider work health and safety. Business.gov.au has some good tips on keeping work parties within acceptable bounds.
Did you know a work party is part of the workplace for workplace health and safety (WHS) obligations? Even if held at the local pub, a Christmas or end-of-year party is a workplace function, and employers are responsible for the safety of employees at a party location.
Here are seven tips to help you and your employees celebrate safely:
1. Review workplace policies
Before the event make sure your internal policies and procedures are up to date. These include the policies for acceptable behaviour and bullying and harassment in the workplace.
2. Remind employees of their responsibilities
Make sure employees know the expectations. Send an email reminding them:
* The start and finish times of the party and that any activities after this time are not an extension of the party
* While the party is a time to relax, it’s still a work function. The usual rules still apply, including those around harassment, discrimination and bullying, and
* Work social-media policies apply at the party. Encourage people to get permission from their colleagues before posting photos or videos on social media.
3. Limit the amount of alcohol
While an open bar may be a nice way to reward your employees, if alcohol is served, make sure it’s legal and responsible. There should also be enough food and non-alcoholic drinks available.
4. Check the venue before the party
Visit the venue beforehand, or arrive a bit earlier, to address any hazards before the party starts. For example, make sure electrical cords are out of the way to avoid a trip hazard.
5. Think about transport for your employees
Plan a party location close to your workplace or close to public transport.
Arrangements can also be made for staff to get home afterwards by organising a bus, pre-ordering taxis/Ubers or arranging designated drivers.
If you’re visiting a remote location, consider providing a bus for employees.
6. Nominate someone to manage the party
Have someone to keep an eye on the proceedings. It can help to ensure the party doesn’t get out of hand and any complaints are resolved quickly.
7. Have gift guidelines
It’s fun to run party games like Secret Santa with employees. However, it’s good to be mindful that what’s funny to one person can be offensive to another.
Keep gifts appropriate by providing some guidelines and asking employees to be respectful and mindful of bullying, discrimination and harassment policies.
Learn more about the WHS requirements which apply to Australian businesses here.