The Dos and Don’ts of Hosting a Holiday Staff Party

With the holiday season now in full swing, many employers will be gearing up to host their holiday staff parties to celebrate a year of hard work and foster some team spirit. And whilst this will likely be a jolly celebration, from an employer’s perspective it requires careful planning and considerations to ensure that employees feel included, remain compliant with workplace policies, and (of course) have fun.

Therefore, we have put together a few Dos and Don’ts to help leaders ensure that they are striking that perfect balance between festive cheer and professionalism so to avoid any HR horror stories in the aftermath…

The Dos –

• Do Consider Inclusivity – while Christmas is widely celebrated, not all employees observe the holiday or share the same traditions, so make sure the event is inclusive of all cultures and beliefs (such as Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, which are also celebrated in December). If you’re planning a holiday-themed event, consider using terms like ‘festive’ or ‘end-of-year celebration’ rather than strictly ‘Christmas party’. Additionally, when thinking about catering options, ensure that there is a wide variety on offer to accommodate for dietary restrictions (alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, vegetarian, vegan and halal options, etc).
• Do Plan for Transportation – if alcohol will be served at the party, ensure that safe transportation options are on offer. Organizing taxis, ride-sharing services, or providing shuttle buses allows employees to enjoy the event without worrying about driving home afterward, and this helps to mitigate the risk of any drunk driving, reaffirming your company’s commitment to employee safety and well-being.
• Do Set Clear Expectations – be sure to make it known that the event is a social gathering, and therefore employees are expected to maintain a level of professionalism throughout. Set expectations on what is acceptable, especially around alcohol consumption, to avoid any awkward situations or inappropriate behavior.
• Do Recognize Employee Achievements – employees who feel recognized are more engaged and productive than those who don’t, and so a holiday party is an excellent time for employers to acknowledge the hard work of their staff over the last year. A fun way of doing this could be having a mock awards show with small prizes; a small, simple gesture that demonstrates how much they value their staff and what they do.

The Don’ts –

• Don’t Overlook Accessibility Needs – employers want everyone to feel comfortable attending a holiday party, and so it’s crucial that all employees, regardless of any physical or mental disabilities, are able to participate and enjoy the event. This means ensuring that the venue is accessible, with proper accommodations for those who may need them, as well as considering those employees who may have sensory sensitivities if your celebration involves loud music or party lighting.
• Don’t Over-Serve Alcohol – while alcohol can add to the festive atmosphere, it can also lead to problems if overconsumed. It can be a good idea to set a limit on the number of drinks provided or consider offering drink tickets to help control consumption. This helps to remind staff that the ultimate goal of the celebration is to have fun and relax rather than overindulge.
• Don’t Make it Mandatory – it can be tempting to host a big bash and expect everyone to attend, but it’s important to remember to respect employees’ personal lives. Make the event voluntary so that employees don’t feel pressured to attend if they have other commitments or simply don’t feel like socializing. Offering a ‘no-pressure’ environment ensures that people attend because they genuinely want to, not because they feel obligated.
• Don’t Tolerate Inappropriate Behavior – holiday parties can sometimes bring out behaviors that wouldn’t typically occur in the workplace, especially when alcohol is involved. As the host, it’s your responsibility to ensure that no one engages in offensive, discriminatory, or inappropriate conduct – this includes addressing any inappropriate jokes, comments, or behaviors immediately.

Hosting a successful work Christmas party is a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday season and actively show appreciation for your employees. By keeping these dos and don’ts in mind, you can ensure that the event is enjoyable, safe, and inclusive for all employees without compromising company values.

If you would like to discuss how we can help support your HR teams when it comes to arranging a safe, inclusive, and fun holiday party (no matter the season), please get in touch with us today.