Holiday Issues

Don't panic, but Christmas is only 46 days away, and it's likely your holiday party or other activities will occur during that time. Are you having a party? Sponsoring some sort of charity activity? Whatever you do, you certainly don't want anything that happens to result in legal actions against the organization. This week's articles provide answers to how to handle various aspects of the holiday gathering and how to avoid problems.

Here are some simple things your company can do to foster a warm and friendly culture between coworkers all while contributing positively to people in need. (Item #1)     As a result of a lot of research, specific low-risk drinking guidelines have been created to minimize the negative impact of alcohol use. (Item #2)     The following article offers some guidelines from the Society for Human Resource Management for safe company holiday parties. (Item #3)    

Here are the top four reasons you should consider having a holiday party this year. (Item #4)     To avoid or mitigate the risks associated with holiday parties, you should give some thoughtful consideration to your office holiday party plans. (Item #5)     Here are some top tips for avoiding a New Years' headache from your holiday party. (Item #6)    

As always, I look forward to hearing about your concerns with regard to business continuity. If there are any topics that you'd like to see covered, email me at [email protected].

Bob Mellinger, President
Attainium Corp

1. A Few Things to Think of Doing at Work Next (or This) Holiday Season

With the holiday upon us, you might be looking for some creative ways to liven up old traditions in your office. Maybe your office needs a fresh way to bring the giving spirit of the season into your typical holiday activities -- or to replace your typical holiday activities.
http://articles.bplans.com/bring-holiday-spirit-giving-work/

2. How do we handle alcohol at company parties?

For many businesses, it's perfectly acceptable to have alcohol at company sponsored events. Though having parameters or limitations around how much individuals can consume may be necessary. Excessive alcohol consumption may endanger the health and safety of your employees, and others around them, as well as tarnish your company's reputation.
https://home.bxohio.com/news/detail/how-do-we-handle-alcohol-at-company-holiday-parties

3. Seven tips to reduce holiday party liability for employers

A majority of organizations are still planning to hold holiday or end-of-year parties; however, a growing number of employers are cutting back, according to a recent survey from the Society for Human Resource Management. The survey found that almost two-thirds (65%) of human resource professionals said their organizations would host a party for all employees. But 30% of respondents said that no party was planned at their organization.
http://www.propertycasualty360.com/2015/12/01/7-tips-to-reduce-holiday-party-liability-for-emplo

4. How to Plan a Company Holiday Party Your Employees Want to Attend

In recent years, many employers have said "bah humbug" to the company holiday party. It's easy to understand why--they're expensive, they're a hassle to plan, and employees have other commitments during the holidays so attendance is not always what you'd hope it would be, right? Despite the common complaints, there are actually many benefits to having a company holiday party.
https://www.zenefits.com/blog/how-to-plan-company-holiday-party/

5. Careful with That Eggnog: Perils and Pitfalls of the Office Holiday Party

The holidays are coming. It is time to give some thought to hosting an office party. Office parties can be a great opportunity to relax, mingle, and celebrate with employees and sometimes clients, but they can be fraught with pitfalls, both legal and social.
http://www.americanbar.org/publications/gp_solo/2013/november_december/
careful_that_eggnog_perils_and_pitfalls_the_office_holiday_party.html

6. Employer Resolutions for Avoiding Holiday Party Headaches

Ah, the end of the year is here: annual reviews, last-minute pushes to finish the year strong, stresses of holiday shopping and travel, and, of course, the time-honored tradition of company social functions -- often with alcohol -- to bring everyone together and let off some steam. What could go wrong?
https://www.jacksonlewis.com/sites/default/files/docs/
Employer%20Holiday%20Party%20Resolutions%20Nieman%20Dec%202015.pdf