Despite the overwhelming evidence that the traditional office party can cause serious problems for employers, most continue to host such affairs. So, if you don't have the courage to cancel yours and split the money you save among your workers, there are many guidelines for how to limit the potential fallout from an office party gone horribly wrong.
First, understand that employee "misconduct" is perhaps expected by most employers who throw such parties. Two-thirds of employers who responded to a SHRM survey report that they serve booze at the holiday event. What do they think is going to happen? Further research indicates that more than a third of employers report bad behavior at holiday parties — and how many more are either unaware of it or, for various reasons, decide not to report it?
The misconduct takes many forms, which most staff people who have attended holiday parties have witnessed: drunkenness, sexual advances, off-color jokes, inappropriate comments of all kinds spoken too loudly in the presence of the wrong people. There are reports of fist fights breaking out over the punchbowl, and, of course, the more tragic driving drunk incidents that have been widely publicized.
Complete your profile to continue reading and get FREE access to BenefitsPRO, part of your ALM digital membership.
Your access to unlimited BenefitsPRO content isn’t changing.
Once you are an ALM digital member, you’ll receive:
- Critical BenefitsPRO information including cutting edge post-reform success strategies, access to educational webcasts and videos, resources from industry leaders, and informative Newsletters.
- Exclusive discounts on ALM, BenefitsPRO magazine and BenefitsPRO.com events
- Access to other award-winning ALM websites including ThinkAdvisor.com and Law.com
Already have an account? Sign In
© 2024 ALM Global, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to [email protected]. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.
