Host Responsibility at Work Christmas Parties - A Festive Guide for Employers

Ah, the work Christmas party. It’s the one event of the year where phone calls, emails and company protocols are ignored, the office printer miraculously works, and for a brief, magical evening, your colleagues transform from focusing on delivery deadlines to free-flowing prosecco and dodgy dance moves. But behind all the festive cheer and the questionable fashion choices lies a serious duty - host responsibility.

Employers, take heed - As the host of your workplace’s holiday shindig, you have a duty of care to your employees that goes beyond ensuring there's enough mulled wine to fill a small lake. Host responsibility at a Christmas party is not just a festive buzzkill, it's essential to making sure everyone gets home safely, that a leader’s career is not ruined by a spontaneous karaoke performance, and that no one ends up with a mysterious injury (or, heaven forbid, an email the next morning they really don’t remember sending).

Here’s your humorous but factual guide to navigating the holiday party season with host responsibility in mind.

1. Don’t let the Office Become a Tacky Reality Show

First things first - As much as you may love to see the sales team belt out "Living on a Prayer" at karaoke, you are, in fact, responsible for maintaining a safe, respectful environment. That means keeping an eye on the alcohol, making sure no one starts up a game of “Truth or Dare” in which somehow ends up with the Office Director giving the Finance Manager a piggyback ride while discussing the company’s revenue.

 2. Alcohol - The Gift and the Curse

The holiday spirit (no, not the ghost of Christmas past, but the one in the punch bowl) can be a tricky thing to manage. The general rule is offering alcohol in moderation, and never underestimate the power of a festive mocktail. Yes, it’s a party, but your employees don’t need to turn into their unicorn alter ego after one too many glasses of bubbly.

Set clear boundaries by ensuring there's plenty of food available, and consider limiting the number of drinks (hello, drink tokens!). This will help reduce the likelihood of the Operations Manager doing the worm on the dance floor and shouting, “I’m the real General Manager now!”

3. The ‘Workplace Drama’ Prevention Program

There’s always that one person who seems to think that the office Christmas party is the perfect time to address personal grievances. No one needs to hear about your issues with Karen from the office in the middle of a conga line. And while it’s tempting to address any simmering office drama under the mistletoe, it's vital to step in and redirect. If a disagreement does break out, a gentle nudge toward a game of Secret Santa or an impromptu dance-off might be enough to restore the festive atmosphere.

4. Safety First - Don’t Be the One Who Forgot Uber Exists

Your party should always include provisions for ensuring everyone gets home safely. Whether it’s providing a designated driver, organizing taxis, or covering ride-sharing expenses, make sure no one feels the pressure to drive after they've had one too many.

Remember, the goal is for employees to wake up the next morning with a sense of festive joy, not “regret that email to the boss at 2am”.

5. Secret Santa - The Untold Power of the Gift Exchange

Ah, the classic Secret Santa. While you want to encourage good-natured fun, the ‘gift exchange’ can sometimes go rogue. Keep it R13, people! The last thing you want is for your employee to receive a questionable gift that has the potential to result in workplace awkwardness for the next six months (or a public relations incident).

Remember, everyone loves a thoughtful gift, whether it’s a quirky mug, a festive pair of socks, or a box of gourmet chocolates. No, a “world’s best boss” mug doesn’t cut it, Trevor.

6. Be Ready to Be the "Fun Police" (And Take it Seriously)

Let’s face it there’s always a chance someone could take things a bit too far (there's that guy who thinks the office Christmas tree is a personal climbing challenge). If someone’s behaviour becomes inappropriate, it’s crucial to step in. While you might prefer to stay in the background, a quick intervention can help prevent things from escalating. If someone is clearly out of hand, don’t hesitate to discreetly guide them to a quiet corner for a "chat" or, in extreme cases, offer them a lift home.

Conclusion - The Spirit of Host Responsibility

Ultimately, a work Christmas party is about celebrating the successes of the past year, showing appreciation for your team, and fostering a sense of community. And while that sense of camaraderie might involve a few awkward dance moves and questionable fashion choices, it’s important to remember that host responsibility is key. Keep the alcohol in check, the fun in bounds, and your team feeling appreciated—and the holiday season will be remembered for all the right reasons.

For HR or Health & Safety advice, get in touch with a member of the SBS Team.  Freephone 0508 424 723 or visit www.safebusiness.co.nz