7 ways to avoid Christmas party disasters

The Christmas Party is a time to eat, drink and be merry - but sometimes things take a turn for the worse.

In fact, a recent study found that one in six employees in the UK are secretly dreading their work party and would even go as far as telling a lie to get out of going to it.

This was mainly due to the anticipated antics that mistletoe or mulled wine can result in. But these embarrassing moments can sometimes result in much more serious consequences for employers.

And so, Donald MacKinnon, Director of Legal Services, Law at Work, has given his seven suggestions to avoiding a Nightmare Before Christmas…

1. Gremlins
No matter how much he cries, no matter how much he begs, never feed him after midnight.

“Although employers want staff to have fun, they should also be aware that they could be liable for the behaviour of employees at their Christmas party, whether it is held in the office or off-site and out of normal working hours.

“An email beforehand to let staff know that the party will be an extension of the workplace could be enough to set a distinction between that and a normal Friday night at the pub.

“Overindulgence causes the majority of HR headaches at office parties, it would be wise, therefore, to supply plenty of soft drinks or even consider enforcing a limit. If a party is held midweek, merry employees may be unable to perform their duties as well the next day. Employers would do well to remember any disciplinary action in relation to their performance could be potentially unfair as a consequence.”