{"id":510,"date":"2016-10-22T14:26:49","date_gmt":"2016-10-22T14:26:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/oculus-hr.co.uk\/?p=510"},"modified":"2017-11-22T14:27:11","modified_gmt":"2017-11-22T14:27:11","slug":"how-to-avoid-workplace-christmas-party-nightmares","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/oculus-hr.co.uk\/blog\/general\/how-to-avoid-workplace-christmas-party-nightmares\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Avoid Workplace Christmas Party Nightmares"},"content":{"rendered":"

It\u2019s fair to say that the workplace Christmas party gets its fair share of bad press, I am sure we have all been involved in a dificult one. From punch-ups and offensively drunk staff, through to extra-marital activities and unwanted advances, we\u2019ve all heard the horror stories. Depending on just how cautious you like to be, you might think that you\u2019d be better off cancelling the whole thing and saving yourself the headache.<\/span><\/p>\n

But before you rush into anything, remember that your staff have worked hard, and they deserve an opportunity to let their hair down. A festive get-together could prove to be just what you need to show your appreciation of their efforts and boost morale. What\u2019s important here is that you\u2019re suitably prepared. Here\u2019s what you need to consider\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n

Remind your staff of your standards<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

Now could be a good time to remind your employees about what\u2019s expected from them. At the end of the day, your staff are adults and should know how to conduct themselves at work and in related social situations, but there\u2019s no harm in issuing a reminder. This is about ensuring that everyone understands what\u2019s acceptable, and what will happen if behaviour falls below the required standards.<\/span><\/p>\n

Get yourself organised<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

Planning is extremely important, so be sure to consider absolutely everything. From where you\u2019ll hold the event, through to how people will get home safely at the end of the evening, through to the arrangements for being in work the next day, problems can often be avoided if you\u2019ve considered your approach in advance. It makes sense to get your staff involved in the planning process, to ensure that their views are taken into account and they have the option to contribute ideas.<\/span><\/p>\n

Consider differing preferences<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

A night of drinking isn\u2019t everyone\u2019s idea of a good time, so do think about how you can make the event appeal to your diverse workforce. If you\u2019re providing catering, consider any dietary requirements. You\u2019re never going to be able to please everyone, especially if you have a large team, but it makes sense to consider tastes and preferences. Finally, on this point, attendanceat a Christmas party should never be mandatory, so don\u2019t make your staff feel like they\u2019re obliged to make an appearance.<\/span><\/p>\n

Relax a little!<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

At the end of the day, your Christmas party should be fun and enjoyable, and you should be able to let your hair down and celebrate alongside your team. If you\u2019ve covered the points that we\u2019ve discussed here, then it\u2019s unlikely that you\u2019ll experience any significant problems. Your staff are probably just looking forward to having a good time, and aren\u2019t secretly plotting to cause riots or bring your business into disrepute!<\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve got concerns about this year\u2019s Christmas party, and you\u2019d like to take the opportunity to chat with an HR expert, pick up the phone and give us a call on 0191 3051188.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

It\u2019s fair to say that the workplace Christmas party gets its fair share of bad press, I am sure we have all been involved in a dificult one. From punch-ups and offensively drunk staff, through to extra-marital activities and unwanted advances, we\u2019ve all heard the horror stories. Depending on just how cautious you like to […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\nHow to Avoid Workplace Christmas Party Nightmares - Oculus HR<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/oculus-hr.co.uk\/blog\/general\/how-to-avoid-workplace-christmas-party-nightmares\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How to Avoid Workplace Christmas Party Nightmares - Oculus HR\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"It\u2019s fair to say that the workplace Christmas party gets its fair share of bad press, I am sure we have all been involved in a dificult one. 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