A recent survey by the Chartered Institute or Personnel and Development (CIPD) has highlighted the potential dangers that can be involved in the traditional staff Christmas party.
The survey found that one in 10 workers knew of someone from their company who has either been disciplined or dismissed following inappropriate behaviour at a staff Christmas party.
The survey, which involved 2,000 employees from a range of organisations, found that of this one in 10, over a quarter (29%) reported that the reason for the disciplinary action or dismissal was related to violence, while almost one fifth (19%) cited threatening behaviour as being to blame. 17% cited sexual harassment as the cause, while bullying was responsible in 12% of cases. A further 8% of cases involved some form of discrimination - for example, on the grounds of disability or religion.
Senior Public Policy Adviser at the CIPD Ben Willmott said that the results of the survey showed the importance of employers stressing that inappropriate behaviour at a staff party would be dealt with in the same way as it would during working time.
He explained: “People should be able to relax and let their hair down, however it is a good idea for employers to remind their staff that inappropriate behaviour could land them in serious trouble and even lead to them losing their job in the case of serious misconduct.”
In the current economic environment, with people under increasing pressure at work, there is an added risk that people will drink too much, let off steam and do something they might regret in the sober light of the next morning.”
“Employers should provide food as well as soft drinks and be aware that if they provide a free bar then there is a risk that some people may abuse it. If the party is mid-week then it is also sensible for employers to remind their staff that they are expected in work the next day as normal.”
Ashby Cohen