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Silly Season Festivities – A Guide for Employers

Messy Office Party CleanupAt our last Staff Christmas Party, it looks like Cinderalla has lost her shoe!!  Have you experienced a memorable Staff Party recently?

If you are an Employer as we embrace the fun festivities of Christmas celebrations are you ready, ready for what can be a very silly season for some.

8 Top 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. 
  1. 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 a clear policy set around this. 
  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. 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’.  
  1. 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.
  1. 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. 
  1. Planning for leave.  Support staff taking leave during this period as pre-organising can help with managing the workload and reduce ‘sickies’ 

Apply these simple strategies and you will help make this ‘silly’ season memorable for all the right reasons.