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If you've noticed that the character of office holiday parties has changed in recent years, you'd be right. Unfortunately, office parties today mean legal liability for employers, and many of them have backed off on offering the kind of bashes of the past. But you don't have to be a scrooge; you can take the advice offered in the articles below to help you avoid the costs and impacts "party litigation."

It is possible to have a legally safe holiday party at your office as long as you take care of your potential liabilities. (Item #1) It's that time of year when alcohol, mistletoe and holiday cheer combine to create a legal minefield for employers. (Item #2) How do you address the challenges of holiday parties in the diverse workplace. (Item #3)

Perhaps you should find out if your employees really want a holiday party. (Item #4) This article on the Staples web site offers some alternatives to traditional office parties. (Item #5) Here are some tips to avoid problems when giving gifts at the office. (Item #6)

As always, we look forward to hearing about your concerns with regards to business continuity. If you have a topic you'd like to see covered, please email me at [email protected]

Best Regards,

Bob Mellinger
President
Attainium Corp

Quote of the Week

"'Tis the season to be careful."
- Kelly O. Scott, employment law expert -

Articles

1. The Office Christmas Party and Legal Liability
Holiday parties can be a great way for companies to make employees feel appreciated and for people to relax, get to know each other and share the joys of the season. However, it is important to get familiar with the legal liabilities associated with hosting a business party---so that you can avoid potential problems and possibly, even lawsuits.
http://www.legalzoom.com/legal-articles/office-christmas-party.html

2. Beware of the Office Holiday Party: Tips for Guarding Against Harassment and Other Hanky Panky
Too often the holiday office party becomes a breeding ground for sexual harassment claims. You can, however, protect your employees and your organization from legal turmoil by taking practicable steps to prevent harassment from occurring within your business and at the office holiday party.
http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_25824.html

3. Holiday Party Planning in the Diverse Workplace
Holiday party planning can get dicey when companies add diversity to their merrymaking mix. How do you appeal to all without leaving someone out in the cold?
http://career-advice.monster.com/business-etiquette/diversity-inclusion/Holiday-Party-Planning-in-the-Diver/home.aspx

4. Most Workers Say Holiday Party Isn't Important to Them
Fifty-seven percent of workers say that it isn't important to them that their employer has an annual holiday party, and 46 percent say they do not feel obligated to attend, according to an online survey released by Spherion Corporation, a staffing firm.
http://hr.blr.com/news.aspx?id=75041

5. Office Party Liability
How can a business owner who is planning an office party attempt to limit the associated liability? Limiting alcohol or holding a family-friendly party are just two of the suggestions offering in this helpful article.
http://www.staples.com/sbd/content/article/o-r/officepartyliability.html

6. Holiday Office Gift Giving Do's and Don'ts: A Guide to Surviving the Season
What do you do when the boss gives you a present? What is an appropriate gift for a co-worker - for the boss? Are gag gifts okay? Do you need to reciprocate when a co-worker or boss gives you a present? When and how should you present your gifts to co-workers and bosses?
http://www.quintcareers.com/office_gifts_dos-donts.html