The Holidays & Business Continuity

There are only 42 days until Christmas, so it's definitely time to consider the kinds of issues that face organizations during the holiday season. From the potential problems of holidays parties to ensuring you can satisfy employee time-off requests without weakening your business continuity plans, it's a season fraught with decisions that can cause all kinds of problems, including legal ones. This week's articles focus on avoiding the pitfalls of Christmas/holiday parties as well as managing continuity planning over the holiday season.

What possible legal issues could you face from an office party? (Item #1)     Combine social media tweets and posts with holiday parties, and you could have a serious problem. (Item #2)     Here are some tips for a trouble-free holiday party. (Item #3)    

Read this employer's guide to Christmas: office parties, religious discrimination and Christmas bonuses. (Item #4)     By clearly communicating to employees up front, you can ensure your employees enjoy a well-deserved break while ensuring business continuity during the holiday season. (Item #5)     One of these five tips could help your holiday continuity planning. (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. Top 10 legal issues facing employers at office parties

At the end of a long year, the office Christmas party is a great opportunity to boost camaraderie and thank the people behind your business for their hard work. The responsibilities an employer has at a Christmas party should not be taken lightly, as they have the potential to cause serious legal issues for the business. So before you start stocking up on wine and put together the perfect playlist, we have prepared for you the Top 10 hazards facing employers that can make a very un-merry Christmas party.
http://thestartupmag.com/top-10-issues-at-office-parties

2. Watch Christmas party tweets and posts or risk legal problems

Businesses must be vigilant in monitoring employee activity on social media during Christmas parties to avoid legal entanglements that could result in damages, lawsuits, and a negative perception with their brand, a legal expert has warned. The warning is prompted by instances that have occurred in the past few years where employees have harassed or insulted their employers, or other staff, on Twitter or Facebook.
http://www.peopleculture.com.au/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/Smart-Company-Watch-Christmas-party-tweets-1.12.11.pdf

3. Trouble-free Christmas parties

Office Christmas parties can be a great boost for morale, but employers should be aware of potential risks such as sexual harassment, alcohol-fuelled brawls, religious discrimination and post-party absenteeism. This practical guide will help ensure a trouble-free office party.
http://www.out-law.com/topics/employment/discrimination/trouble-free-christmas-parties/

4. Christmas employment issues

Christmas can throw up a number of issues for employers. With Christmas parties, issues surrounding different religions, holiday requests and Christmas bonuses to deal with, organizations will need to make sure they are ready for the holiday season.
http://www.personneltoday.com/topics/employment-law/employers-guides/christmas-employment-issues/

5. Business Continuity during the Holidays

The holiday season can be stressful for employees and managers. Companies try to be respectful of employees' holiday plans, yet it's important to have critical staff in place to serve the needs of customers. Promotional Consultant Today shares these guidelines for keeping employees happy and the office running smoothly during the holiday season.
http://pubs.ppai.org/2013/12/business-continuity-during-the-holidays-december-13-2013/

6. Business continuity tips for SMEs for the Christmas holiday season

Many companies - outside of the retail industry, at least - slow down over the Christmas holiday period, but an unexpected disaster can strike at any time. So how can you protect your business over the festive season? Here are five tips for good Christmas continuity planning.
http://www.computerweekly.com/feature/Business-continuity-tips-for-SMEs-for-the-Christmas-holiday-season