UK 
United States
The festive season is upon us, and most firms will have one eye on end-of-year celebrations and giving staff a chance to unwind over a few drinks. But for many employers, the arrival of Christmas party season comes with heightened responsibilities.
With alcohol likely to be flowing, there is the ever-present risk of employees getting carried away with themselves. Arguments can break out and, on the flip side, those lowered inhibitions could lead some workers to take things too far in the opposite direction by making unwanted advances towards co-workers.
The Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Act 2023, which came into effect on 26 October, introduces a legal duty for employers in the UK to take proactive and reasonable steps to prevent such cases of sexual harassment.
And as aforementioned, with work-related social events posing specific risks, HR must strike a balance between celebration and compliance.
