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It’s that time of the Year again!  

And as we anticipate the fun festivities of Christmas, and New Year celebrations if you are an Employer are you ready, ready for what can be a very silly season for some. 

Records show that it is a time of increased risk of health and safety misadventure caused by alcohol and recreational drug indulgence, too many ‘party’ late nights, and resulting fatigue that can affect performance and behaviour.

Now is the time to prepare and act!  By taking some simple steps you can help avoid the silly season becoming a headache or hangover!

 In relation to your Staff, start planning now on how to ‘best’ manage this season so that everyone gets to enjoy the occasion. Do this by developing strategies, policy and clear guidelines concerning attendance, behaviour and general ‘frivolity’ during this coming period.

 The following are my 8 BEST Tips for staff management during the ‘silly season’ 

1. Establish clear guidelines, codes of conduct, for what is acceptable and unacceptable behaviour in the workplace. Importantly ensure these are communicated directly to all employers so there is no misunderstanding or confusion about behaviour at both the workplace and work-related functions. 

2. HR Policies, Health & Safety.  Now is a good to visit all your HR policies to ensure they are current.  Update as needed and adopt and implement any gaps.  For example, most of society are now engaged in social media activity that can come into the workplace.  There needs to be clear policy set around this. 

3. In advance, actively promote and communicate your HR policies to all employers, raising awareness of sick leave, drug and alcohol policies.   Conduct Information sessions and refresher training courses.

4. Social media policies need to be publicized. A reminder that ‘party-mood’ actions, comments, tweets and posts can be detrimental. What is thought funny by the ‘instigator’ may not be considered as such by those targeted. ‘Bad media’ can also reflect poorly on the organization.

5. As an Employer support and join in the spirit of the Festive season. No-one likes a Christmas-gringe. Small things, such as decorations can add to the ‘spirit’.  

6. Lead by example. Set the standard with your own actions and behaviours. If organizing a function consider offering pre-paid taxi vouchers, have responsible drinking bar limits and adopt similar safety strategies.

7. Understand not everyone celebrates Christmas and make sure those not joining in are not pressured by others to do so.  Promote a workplace environment that is tolerant of all beliefs. 

8. Planning for leave.  Support staff taking leave during this period as pre-organising can help with managing the workload and reduce ‘sickies’. 

Follow these Tips for a fantastic 'silly season' that everyone can enjoy!