 January
2008
Christmas Party Advice
And finally, it wouldn’t be the festive season
without some Christmas party advice! The Advisory,
Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) has commented
that many businesses find themselves with problems
on their hands over the Christmas period, particularly
the fall-out from the office party.
Rita Donaghy, ACAS Chair, said:
‘If companies have policies and procedures in
place which cover the key issues like discipline and
grievance, bullying and harassment, discrimination
and absence they are in a much better position to handle
these sorts of issues which can happen at any time,
not just at Christmas.
Our helpline staff are very broad-minded and with
many years' experience of giving advice on employment
relations the chances are they have heard it before.
So if you do have any employment relations queries
give them a call. I'm confident they will be able to
help.
But don't let potential hazards put you off organising
something for Christmas. Staff will feel valued if
you treat them right. Think about asking them what
they want to do and ask for suggestions on how to cater
for any problems upfront.’
They have provided the answers to some particularly
topical questions which include the following:
- Do you have any responsibilities towards an employee
who has clearly drunk too much at the office Christmas
party and is planning to drive home?
- How do you stop the office party getting out of
hand in the first place?
- How do you ensure employees are at work the morning
after the Christmas party?
- Do Christmas decorations pose a health and safety
issue? Or are they in breach of religious and belief
regulations?
If you would like to know the answers to these and
any more questions visit the ACAS website.
Meanwhile a survey, see the article link below, reveals
some interesting facts about employees’ thoughts
on the festivities and the generosity of some employers.
Internet Link:
ACAS
advice and article |
