Holiday Parties... or Not?

Thanksgiving and Christmas are almost here, and many offices plan holiday parties at this time of year... or at least try to figure out how to recognize employees for their hard work, loyalty, etc. If you're looking for ideas other than the typical office party, articles #1 and #2 may interest you. If you're still going to hold the annual bash, you may want to take a look at the rest of this week's articles to help avoid liability that could damage - or close - your business.

Here are several suggestions for festivities that don't need to involve alcohol. (Item #1)   Perhaps you'd like your holiday celebration to reflect the austerity of the times but still be fun. (Item #2)   If you're going ahead with the big bash, some tips on limiting liability. (Item #3)  

Here's an office party risk assessment checklist for managers. (Item #4)   There are several types of liability you need to look out for. (Item #5)   Don't let party incidents destroy the goodwill the event was designed to create. (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. Alternatives to the Holiday Office Party

Money is in short supply this year in many organizations. So is energy, time, and employee engagement. The loss of the holiday office party may be symptomatic of the continuing economic woes. It may also reflect less tolerance for annual office party shenanigans involving career busting episodes with alcohol overindulgence. Employees demonstrate little appreciation for expensive investments in an office party when their personal compensation is already affected - and may be affected even more severely, by the upcoming healthcare overhaul and other Washington initiatives.
http://humanresources.about.com/od/fortheholidays/tp/Alternatives-To-Office-Party.htm

2. Ideas for Office Holiday Celebrations during Hard Times

Most businesses find themselves still coping with shrinking budgets. It's hard to not feel like Scrooge as we cut back on what makes our offices merry during this time of year! All of these traditional celebrations and perks are done to show employee appreciation, and to boost employee morale. As we cut back on them, we still need to ask ourselves, "How will we demonstrate to our employees how important they are to the company?"
http://www.westsoundworkforce.com/employer-articles/ideas-for-office-holiday-celebrations-during-hard-times/

3. 'Tis the Season to Limit Liability: Planning a Non-Litigious Company Holiday Party

With another holiday season approaching, companies nationwide are busy planning parties. Holiday socials are longstanding company traditions to thank employees and celebrate annual accomplishments. They can also be a breeding ground for employer liability - especially when alcohol is served. Holiday parties, whether onsite or off-site, should be treated as extensions of the workplace.
http://www.hrcsuite.com/profitability/litigiousholidayparty

4. Walking the Office Party Tightrope - A Risk-Assessment Checklist

The Christmas office party is a traditional element of many businesses but what potential risks do these annual events present and what guidelines should be in place to ensure that revelry doesn't turn into regret? Here's a useful risk assessment checklist for risk aware managers wanting to keep their jobs after the party!
http://112review.blogspot.com/2007/12/walking-office-party-tightrope-risk.html

5. Holiday Party Liability Prevention Checklist

The festive atmosphere combined with the consumption of alcohol at an employer-sponsored holiday party make it a potential venue for inappropriate behavior and may lead to employee or third-party claims based on injuries suffered during or after the event. While planning and having the event, employers should take steps to avoid several types of liability.
http://www.weil.com/files/News/8bd3356a-75b8-4802-80ce-d436f6c4de36/Presentation/NewsAttachment/4f811ea2-d235-45e8-901b-d7042be45b6e/Holiday%20Party%20Liability%20Prevention%20Checklist%20(8-503-9003).pdf

6. Wishing HR a Litigation-Free Office Party

Employers often use the holiday season to show their appreciation for employees' hard work and celebrate with employees in the workplace. Unfortunately, however, even an office holiday party planned with the best of intentions can create legal liability for employers or even turn tragic. Drunk driving, inappropriate conduct and behavior, and other events can quickly ruin holiday spirits. Moreover, a bad experience or inappropriate situation easily can destroy whatever goodwill and appreciation a party was designed to demonstrate.
http://www.hrhero.com/hl/articles/2008/11/21/wishing-hr-a-litigation-free-office-party/