As we tip toe into December, it’s almost as if, having had time to digest those new Sexual Harassment requirements brought in on the 26th October this year, they are to be put to the test around 6 weeks later! For any employer having completed their risk assessment as a result of the increased ‘duty’ to protect their employees, you’ll know that the risk is significantly higher where alcohol is involved. So, is it worth allowing alcohol to be served?
Many businesses see the Christmas party as a thank you to the team for all of their hard work during the year. A chance to ‘let your hair down’ and chat with those in other departments that you only glance by at the coffee machine. Do you need alcohol to do this?
Isn’t it about trust?
Having pondered on the matter (if you’ve read my earlier blogs, you’ll know I love to ponder!) surely we trust the people employed within our business, so we should trust them to behave in an acceptable manner, no matter what the event. They are adults and as such, capable of making up their own minds on drinking, knowing when they have had enough and being mindful of their behaviour towards others. Even with the ‘vicarious liability’ banner hanging alongside the tinsel, is there really a need to be worried?
More often than not though, there’s always ‘the one’ that causes the problems (you know the saying, every village, and it would appear at Christmas, almost every business, has one !!) but why should this individual spoil the fun of everyone else who simply want a few, social tipples.
For this type of individual, there are company policies in place and surely, if they can’t behave themselves, they must face up to the consequences of their actions? Or am I being too harsh?!
Keeping up with the times
Recent statistics have shown that around a third of Gen Z abstain from alcohol all together whilst in the UK, the no- and low-alcohol segment has grown by 47% between 2022 and 2023.
Based on this, it would seem that our younger generation are reminding us that you don’t actually have to get ‘rat arsed’ to have a good time. Perhaps in years to come, alcohol based company gatherings will become a thing of the past, but for now, just like Wizzard’s ‘I wish it could be Christmas every day’, they still appear every December!
Taking responsibility
So, to all of you with HR responsibilities, as you take out your dancing shoes ready for this year’s party, make one last check of your ‘Before the Christmas Party’ to do list.
- Ensure everyone has re-read the acceptable behaviour policy – tick
- Ensure everyone has completed the Sexual Harassment training – tick
- Check that the venue has a decent supply of no and low alcohol drinks – tick
- Send the communication to confirm the ‘end’ time so employees can arrange safe travel home – tick
And so on.
Oh, and finally, remind everyone that despite what they may be thinking, ‘fun police’ has never been part of your job description!