Holiday Issues

With Thanksgiving just a couple of weeks away, workplace holiday celebrations/observations are just around the corner… and so is the potential for all kinds of problems. Have you given thought to exactly how your organization will celebrate the holidays this year? Will there be a party? Workplace decorations? Can you avoid ruffling feathers over religious issues, party drinking, and other things that can cause you legal trouble? Whether you have thought this out or not, take a look at this week's articles for help.

What decorations will you hang and exactly what holiday(s) will your party celebrate? (Item #1)   Are holiday parties worth the potential risks? (Item #2)   Should you serve liquor at your holiday party and, if you're the employee, should you drink? (Item #3)  

Does your vacation policy ensure you won't be understaffed during the holidays? (Item #4)   If liquor is on your party agenda, exactly what are your liabilities? (Item #5)   Today's diverse workplaces often make it difficult to make holiday events appeal to all. (Item #6)  

As always, we look forward to hearing your comments & insights regarding business continuity. If you have a topic you'd like us to cover, email me at [email protected].

Bob Mellinger, President
Attainium Corp

1. Ho, Ho, Hold On a Minute

Harry is putting up a Christmas wreath, Anna is putting up Kwanzaa decorations and Sylvia is bringing in her dreidel. What's a company to do about holiday decorations? Here are a few things employers should consider before putting up the holiday decorations and sending out party invitations.
http://www.oasisadvantage.com/ho-ho-hold-on-a-minute

2. Best practices for employer-sponsored events

Holiday parties: to do or not to do? That is the question every year about this time. And if you "do," then there are the issues of what, where, when, how, and who? On one hand, holiday parties can be a great way to bond with staff and build teams. On the other hand, they are fraught with potential legal issues, risks, and concerns.
http://www.dentaleconomics.com/index/display/article-display/6321300873/articles/dental-economics/volume-100/issue-11/for-your_practice/best-practices-for-employer-sponsored-events.html

3. To Drink or Not to Drink?

To drink or not to drink at work related events is a question almost every employee has to ponder for one occasion or another. Whether the business occasion is lunch during an interview, the company holiday party, or a staff networking event on Friday afternoon, alcohol is usually an option. Make your decision about what to drink and how much to drink before you are faced with the choices at an event. Set your limit before the event.
http://humanresources.about.com/od/networking/qt/drink_i3.htm

4. Ensuring Business Continuity during the Holidays

The holiday season often finds employers in a precarious schedule-balancing act: on the one hand, there is the desire to accommodate the employees' holiday plans, on the other is the crucial requirement to remain sufficiently staffed. Employers can avoid the headache with some time-tested guidelines that can help keep employees happy and the office running smoothly.
http://www.nyreport.com/articles/66187/ensuring_business_continuity_during_the_holidays

5. Employer Liability for Alcohol Injuries

Are you hosting a party for your employees? Are you concerned about the possibility of excessive drinking and being responsible for the resulting damage and injury? Here's a quick look at your potential liability and what you can do to prevent it. Unless you sell liquor for a living, your company is unlikely to be responsible for any injury caused by drunken employees under what are called dram shop laws. These laws generally only apply to commercial vendors of alcohol. Examples of vendors include bars, restaurants and package stores.
http://labor-employment-law.lawyers.com/human-resources-law/Employer-Liability-For-Alcohol-Injuries.html

6. 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://workplace-diversity.blogspot.com/2007/10/holiday-party-planning-in-diverse.html