As always at this time of the year most companies will be holding some form of celebration. Sometimes the provision of extended hospitality leads to ‘ photocopier incidents’ or assaults on fellow employees.
However employers please remember if there are parties funded by the company the employer is still responsible for the conduct of their staff. Since October employers have an express responsibility to prevent sexual harassment of their staff by fellow employees, failing which they could end up at a tribunal. Employers should be aware of potential harassment and discrimination claims that could arise from colleagues making inappropriate and offensive comments or worse, at parties once the drinks start flowing, or otherwise. There is no such thing as harmless banter.
Ensure your harassment policies are up to date if there is a cutoff time for hospitality make it clear to your staff if they want to continue celebrating elsewhere it is no longer your responsibility
Remember you can’t force an employee to attend and to avoid any queries about employee status only employees not workers or subcontractors should be invited to a company organised event.
Have a safe celebration