Client Update: 12 tips for the company holiday party
Mark Tector and Killian McParland
‘Tis again the season for the company holiday party. And while the party planners are starting to break out the eggnog, there are some lessons learned from seasons past to keep in mind to ensure that the party runs smoothly and safely for all.
Employers should be aware that they can be responsible both for what happens during the holiday party and, sometimes, for what happens after. With that in mind, and borrowing from the “12 days of Christmas”, here are our 12 tips for the company holiday party:
- Remind employees that they are to conduct themselves appropriately and that the company’s policies – including the anti-harassment, respectful workplace, and social media policies – continue to apply.
- Make attendance voluntary and invite significant others.
- No mistletoe.
- No open bar.
- If alcohol is offered, make sure to offer non-alcoholic options as well and to manage alcohol intake – for example, by providing drink tickets.
- Promote responsible drinking and hire professional bartenders.
- Ensure that plenty of food is available when serving alcohol.
- With its recent legalization, remind employees of the company’s policies in relation to Cannabis, which may include a ban on the use of recreational Cannabis at work events.
- For bigger parties you may also consider hiring security (if not provided by the host location). Alternatively, for smaller parties, consider designating someone to monitor the event.
- Distribute taxi vouchers (or other transport, such as chartering a bus) to ensure that everyone gets home safe and sound.
- Depending on the circumstances and location, arrange for there to be hotel rooms available nearby (perhaps at a discounted or group price) if anyone can’t make it home. Communicate such options to employees prior to the event.
- Security or the designated monitor should be keeping an eye out for anyone who may be impaired – whether due to alcohol or other substances including Cannabis. Any impaired guest should not be allowed to drive. If there is resistance, the authorities may need to be called.
Putting the above tips into practice is not about being a holiday “Grinch”, but taking reasonable steps in order to promote a holiday party that is both safe and merry.
This update is intended for general information only. If you have questions about the above, please contact a member of our Labour and Employment group.
Archive
Halifax Partners Richard Niedermayer, TEP, Secretary, STEP Canada, and Tim Matthews, QC, TEP, and Articled Clerk Madeleine Coats, have prepared a useful resource for STEP Canada members outlining the options in place for having estate…
Read MoreJoe Thorne In our update on April 2, 2020, Newfoundland and Labrador passes law to allow variation periods and statutory timelines during COVID-19 pandemic, we reported on Newfoundland and Labrador’s passage of the Temporary Variation…
Read MoreRick Dunlop The question on many businesses’ mind is when and what exactly does an end to the COVID-19 lockdown look like. The Economist describes various European government’s easing of COVID-19 restrictions as being done…
Read MoreBurtley Francis In a statement issued on April 18, 20201, the federal government (through Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada) signalled that certain foreign investments into Canada will now face enhanced scrutiny under the Investment…
Read MoreStephanie Stapleford and Allison Whelan,LL.M In a previous Thought Leadership piece, “Tax update – response to COVID-19” (26 March 2020), we reviewed the Federal COVID-19 Emergency Response Act and provided an update on operational changes…
Read MoreClarence Bennett, James LeMesurier, QC and Kathleen Nash On April 17, 2020, the Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick met for a quick sitting during which two new Bills were introduced and received Royal Assent within…
Read MoreBurtley G. Francis and David Slipp During this unprecedented period of social isolation and economic uncertainty brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses are rapidly re-structuring their operations and adjusting their practices in order to…
Read MoreRebecca Saturley COVID-19 hit us all like a proverbial freight train. In a short period of time we all went from business as usual to the new normal. From social distancing to mass lay-offs to…
Read More(Updated) Peter McLellan, QC and Katharine Mack In a display of bi-partisanship, on Saturday, April 11 Parliament unanimously passed the COVID-19 Emergency Response Act, No. 2 and it received Royal Assent. In addition to other…
Read MoreDaniela Bassan, QC The Federal Court recently upheld the decision of the Registrar of Trademarks in a dispute over the registration and use of the PENTASTAR word mark in Canada, in Pentastar Transport Ltd. v.…
Read More