6 HR tips for your staff party
Despite HR's "fun police" reputation we promise we love a good party!
It's a chance to celebrate hard work, share a few laughs, and kick back with your team. BUT, to keep it fun and hassle-free, there are a few things we recommend to help you avoid any awkward moments (or HR headaches).
Here’s our top tips:
1. Give a quick refresher on policies
End-of-year parties may be outside the office walls, but they're still work-related events, and company policies still apply.
Communicate to your team before the event to make sure everyone is on the same page about behaviour and expectations.
2. Responsible alcohol service
If you’re serving alcohol, keep it moderate and make sure there are non-alcoholic options available.
Serving plenty of food alongside drinks is another way to help keep everyone steady.
3. Have designated party helper(s)
Consider appointing a “responsible contact person” or two (perhaps a senior manager) who will stay alcohol-free. Communicate to your team so they can reach out to this person during the event if needed.
This person can step in if someone needs a reminder or if a little extra help is needed.
4. Setting a clear end time and getting home safely
An end time not only helps with logistics, it also clarifies when the “official” work event wraps up.
Consider how you’ll encourage team members to get home safely. You may want to offer cab vouchers or offer to reimburse Ubers.
5. Managing inappropriate behaviour during the event
Even with the best planning, things don’t always go as expected.
If an incident or inappropriate behaviour occurs, such as, excessive drinking, inappropriate comments, or unwanted contact, address it during the event, promptly and discreetly.
6. Managing inappropriate behaviour after the event
If an incident or inappropriate behaviour are reported after the event, it’s important to treat this matter seriously and act quickly.
If you find yourself in this situation, we recommend getting HR advice on the next steps.
Most importantly? Have fun
Enjoy taking a moment to reflect on the team you’ve built. Give yourself a well-deserved pat on the back too!
Kateena is a HR leader who partners with organisations and leadership teams to create environments where people can do their best work. With experience across complex employee relations and organisational strategy, she is known for balancing commercial goals with genuine care for people. She is passionate about empowering leaders and delivering practical people solutions for businesses of all sizes.