Avoid an HR Hangover This Christmas

He's Making a List.....He's Checking it Twice.......but at this year's Office Christmas party will YOUR staff be naughty or will they be nice?

Its only late November but many Employers are already planning this year's Christmas party and no doubt are hopeful that this festive season will be an enjoyable time for bosses and employees alike but without careful planning, Employers could easily end up with a costly HR Hangover!

Free flowing alcohol at the annual office Christmas party often acts as a trigger for some less than jolly employee behaviour leaving business owners/managers with a less than festive HR hangover to cope with.

Common issues Employers often have to deal with after the office Christmas party include gross misconduct (usually the result of a festive punch up), claims of bullying, harassment or even discrimination (sex, age, race, religious).

So here are EmployEasily HR's 'Top Tips' to help Employers avoid an HR hangover by steering their company sleigh around the traditional Christmas HR landmines:

1. Ensure all employees are aware of the company's standard disciplinary and grievance procedures.

2. If staff are expected to come in the day after the office party, make sure this has been clearly communicated to them beforehand

3. At the office party, ensure all employees are catered for regardless of their age, sex, sexual orientation, religion or disability.

4. Lastly, consider providing transportation from the party venue to ensure staff arrive home safely.

If you haven't done so already, now is the time to review your Company's existing discipline & grievance poliicy to make sure it is up to date with current legislation and the new ACAS Code of Conduct.

Not sure if you company's HR polcies are in good health?  Why not try our Free HR Health Check?

It only takes a few minutes to complete and we'll give you a full report which will highlight whether or not your business is exposed and provide recommendations on how you can limit your risk.

Alternatively, you can contact us today on 0800 612 4772 if you have any employment law and/or HR queries.

By giving potential HR issues the axe we hope you'll be able to relax and thoroughly enjoy the festive period.