You booze, you lose

Published: Professional Manager | February/March 2012

Adrian Hoggarth, Head of Employment, comments on the issues raised by Alison Blackhurst on the potential headaches of office Christmas parties.

Adrian note that as an employment lawyer he finds the majority of employment tribunal claims arising from office Christmas parties are a result of excessive alcohol consumption. ‘Drinking too much often results in the lowering of social inhabitations and standards. Sexual harassment and violence are the most common complaints arising from office parties, often as a result of inebriation’.

Whilst Alison Blackhurst states it is important that managers limit the alcohol available it is also important to remind employees to treat each other with respect. Adrian adds to this by advising that managers should also think about a specific policy on behaviour at office parties. He says that currently only ‘around a third of employers’ have such a policy.

A policy such as this ‘Should lay out what is considered acceptable behaviour and what is not, but should avoid straying into “party pooper” territory’. Adrian concludes his comments by saying that ‘Office parties are, after all, a celebration and a way of employers to show appreciation for the work of their employees. Such a policy is a clear reminder of expected behaviours and helps if any subsequent action is required.’

Contact us

• 0207 743 6700
• Request a call back
• Email us

Knowledge centre
Elucidate: let our knowledge centre empower you with our legal expertise. more >