Tis the season of office Christmas parties, tra la la la la, la la la la. Unfortunately is also a time when being jolly fraught with risk as the employer’s duty of care extends to many ‘social’ occasions and events that happen ‘off the premises’ or after normal working hours. Here, we talk turkey about the do’s and don’ts that ensure for a happy Christmas in what, for many, is the last working week of the year.
Is celebrating Christmas at work now politically incorrect? It is a myth to think that workplace greetings of "happy Christmas" have to be replaced with "happy holidays" for fear of offending those of different faiths. Workers are protected from discrimination based on religion or belief, but this does not mean that language or actions have to be neutralised so that a belief system cannot be identified or celebrated. All workers are entitled to dignity in the workplace, which means respecting all faiths. Common sense and a degree of sensitivity for the feelings of others have more place at work than political correctness.
What’s an appropriate present for a Secret Santa? Chocolate willies and other naughty nibbles are best reserved for stag and hen parties. By all means, let employees buy a funny present but get them to think carefully before buying something that might offend. As a sense check, ask givers to put themselves in the recipient's shoes and imagine how they would feel.
What goes on at the Christmas party stays there, doesn't it? Wrong. Although the Christmas party may take place away from the workplace, and even in employees’ own time, it is so closely connected with work that employers remain responsible for much of what goes on. This is why employers can advise their staff on sensible alcohol consumption and insist that their dignity at work policies continue to apply at the event. As an employer or employee you can still be liable for bullying, harassment and discrimination at the Christmas party.
What's wrong with plain old gossip? You'd be surprised. In some circumstances gossip might amount to discrimination and harassment and was the subject of an Employment Appeals Tribunal in the UK when a couple that were seen ‘getting on’ at a Christmas party became the subjective of gossip when the woman became pregnant at a later date - rumours about the paternity of the child. It became all too much for her and eventually she resigned. She successfully claimed constructive dismissal and pregnancy discrimination and harassment.
Can I tell my secretary she/he looks lovely? Yes, you can. Almost everyone loves a
compliment. However, if she – or he – looks offended, or tells you in colourful language to keep your comments to yourself, then you will know not to do it again. If you persist, it could amount to harassment. It is not your intention that counts, it is how the recipient feels about it that is important.
I want to look really attractive at the Christmas party… is this possible without compromising my professionalism? Yes, you can turn all the heads at the party, by looking attractive but do it without compromising your corporate and professional image. Dress appropriately for the occasion and think "accidentally attractive". Then you will turn every head the right way.
I have been infatuated with my boss all year and I really think that the feeling is mutual ... is now the time to make my move? According to statistics up to 58% of us have had an office romance at some stage - so it is only natural that you want to make a move if there has been sexual chemistry between you and your boss. However you need to be really careful and think about if this is what you really want. Consider how your boss would react if you did make a move and what impact this might have on your other colleagues and your career. Think long and hard about what the outcome of such a move would be and whether or not it would be worth it. Overall, the office party is considered part to be an official event (even if the employer is not directly participating, financially or otherwise, so the normal etiquette of the workplace should be observed). If you decide to go ahead make sure that your confidentiality is protected and that you do not become the subject of office gossip or a romance related career crisis.
Can I put Christmas party photos on Facebook? This is not a good idea without the informed consent of the people in the pictures. Assume that someone will tell that person that their photo is on Facebook because, inevitably, a friend will have a friend that has a friend that knows a friend that tells the person. The potential exposure of the photo is limitless, and almost impossible to delete once it’s out there on the internet. The photo’s subject would be entitled to bring a grievance against the photo poster and, depending on the employer’s workplace policies, this may result in the employer having to take disciplinary sanctions against the photo poster. Remember, too, that uploading or tagging workplace colleagues in compromising photos, or employees making derogatory comments about their employer, could taint an employer's reputation, which may necessitate taking disciplinary action, even if employees do this in their own time, on their own computer or mobile phone.
