How To Navigate The Work Christmas Party

November 14th, 2018 - Barbara Buckett

In comes the festive period and the holiday season, a time for staff to let loose and enjoy their time and work, especially with the office Christmas party, but not too much fun! We’re here with some handy tips to ensure that you don’t prick yourself on mistletoe during the festivities.

XMAS PARTY DO’S AND DON’TS

DON’T:

Act like this Chief Executive and kiss female staff and joke that you are acting “a bit like Roger Sutton”: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11377476

DO:

Remind staff that the Christmas party is not an excuse to misbehave.

DON’T:

Post compromising photos of your boss or work colleagues on social media

DO:

Enjoy yourself!

DON’T:

Give inappropriate gifts, such as the secretary who allegedly received edible panties from her boss.

DO:

Promote responsible consumption of alcohol and ensure that all staff can get safely home.

DON’T:

Engage in inappropriate behaviours such as unorthodox use of the office photocopier, amorous activity on company premises or insulting the boss.

DO:

Mingle! Get to know some new people around the office.

DON’T:

Do what one supervisor did at the Christmas party when he “dressed as Santa Claus, used a bottle opener to form a graphic and prominent phallic symbol which he attached to his garb”: http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/better-business/9416474/No-go-in-Santa-suit-harassment-case 

DO:

Wish everyone the best for the new year!

DON’T:

Supply unlimited alcohol and expect employees to comply with the usual standards of behaviour, or you’ll end up like one Australian company who was found to have unfairly dismissed an employee despite the employee having sexually harassed women and telling his boss to “f**k off”: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/australasia/australian-man-fired-for-drunken-abuse-at-christmas-party-was-unfairly-dismissed-because-of-10359075.html

 

If you follow these “simple” rules, then hopefully you will have a great time and will avoid any Christmas party hangovers.

Note: BuckettLaw takes no responsibility for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of our articles. Any views expressed or comments made in an article are the writers option only. The content in our articles does not constitute legal advice. If you need legal or expert advice you should obtain specific advice about your case or matter from a professional. For legal advice based on your individual situation please contact us to speak with one of our expert lawyers.

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Barbara Buckett

Barbara Buckett is a highly experienced senior employment lawyer with over 35 years of practice in New Zealand. She provides expert advice on all areas of employment law and has a proven track record of delivering excellent results for clients. Barbara has extensive experience in resolving workplace issues and is an experienced litigator. In her free time, she enjoys reading, traveling, working out, and fine wine and dining with friends.

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