The Office Christmas Party & Avoiding HR Headaches

🎵 “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas”🎵. 

And that means it is office Christmas party season —a time for Secret Santas, glittery jumpers, and the annual sighting of Dave from accounts showing off his questionable dance moves. It’s a chance to let our hair down, celebrate the year’s successes, and toast to surviving another 12 months of email chains and Zoom meetings.

But while the Christmas party can be a festive highlight, it’s important to remember that it’s not a free-for-all. As much as we love a good party, the office Christmas do is still considered a work activity, which means workplace rules still apply. Here are some tips to keep the celebration fun, festive, and free of HR headaches.

1. ‘Tis the Season to Set Expectations’

Before the party, gently remind everyone of the company’s code of conduct. You don’t need to be the Grinch, but a quick email saying, “Have fun, but keep it professional!” can go a long way. Reinforce that the Christmas party is an extension of the workplace, so the usual standards of behaviour apply—yes, even if there’s karaoke.

2. Be Inclusive

Do your best to make sure the party is inclusive for everyone.  Think about the timing – would an earlier party be better for parents? Is the venue accessible for everyone? Are you catering for all dietary needs? Can you ask for a wide range of non-alcoholic drinks and ensure there is no peer pressure for those who don’t drink.  By involving all the team, you are less likely to have people feeling marginalised and left out.

3. Don’t forget a Mistletoe Kiss on a Friday can be a Harassment Claim on Monday Morning

The festive atmosphere can sometimes blur boundaries. A cheeky joke or lingering mistletoe moment might seem harmless at the time but could cross into harassment territory. Encourage a culture of respect and remind everyone to keep interactions appropriate.

4. Be in the Christmas Spirit, Don’t Drink Them All

Alcohol can often be the culprit behind poor decisions at Christmas parties. Offering non-alcoholic options, limiting open bars, or gently encouraging moderation can help keep everyone merry without veering into messy territory. Nobody wants to be the star of next year’s “remember when” stories.

5. You are Still the Boss!

Managers have a duty to lead by example—even at the party. They don’t need to stand in the corner with a clipboard, but they should set the tone for appropriate behaviour. If someone’s had a little too much “Christmas spirits,” a friendly word or arranging a taxi home can nip any potential issues in the bud.

6. Social Media Sleigh Bells

In the age of Instagram stories and TikTok trends, what happens at the office party might not stay at the office party. A gentle reminder to avoid posting photos or videos without consent can protect everyone from unwanted publicity.

7. Policies for Post-Party Problems

If things do go awry, it’s crucial to have policies in place for addressing complaints or concerns. Reiterate that any issues raised will be taken seriously and handled fairly, without dampening the festive spirit. Prevention is key, but knowing how to address incidents builds trust in your workplace culture.

8. Don’t Forget the Fun!

All this talk of rules might sound like we’re zapping the joy out of the event—but that’s not the goal. Office Christmas parties are a fantastic opportunity to show appreciation, build camaraderie, and end the year on a high. With a little planning and a sprinkle of common sense, you can ensure the event doesn’t create that HR hangover!