Work Christmas Parties – Employers Still Have Responsibilities . . .

Posted on December 17, 2012

Employers could have more to cope with than just employees nursing hangovers after work Christmas Parties! According to new research, the festive season and the parties that come with it, can leave companies wide open to possible claims of sexual harassment.

“The possible pitfalls are numerous – sexual harassment, health and safety issues, restricting alcohol from underage interns, employees drinking too much and behaving inappropriately – the list goes on.”  Says Dan Watkins, Director at Contact Law.

Inappropriate behaviour
The survey by Contact Law revealed that 28% of people have been on the receiving end of unwelcome advances from a co-worker at the office Christmas party.  Of these, 15% were advances made by a boss or senior colleague.  This could place companies in an extremely precarious legal position, especially if these incidents lead to an official complaint made about inappropriate behaviour, which 6% of those surveyed said they had made in the past.

But it’s not just senior members of staff who need to be on their best behaviour.  The survey also found that 18% of those polled have made an inappropriate comment to their boss after a few festive drinks.  With this in mind, it is not surprising that one-in-ten said that they have considered not attending the Christmas party in case they embarrass themselves in front of colleagues.

Check out this guide to a trouble-free Christmas party.