Though we’ve been receiving somewhat conflicting advice of late, many companies are keen to push ahead with their much-anticipated Christmas parties this year.
As well as ensuring your festivities are Covid-safe – which may include ensuring that all workers present a negative test on arrival – now may also be a good time to review your party plans to make sure they are inclusive as possible. Everyone should have the chance to let their hair down without feeling unsafe, uneasy, or being discriminated against, as per the standard employment laws that need to be followed all year round.
To make sure everyone feels welcome and accommodated for this Christmas, you might want to:
Pick a time that works for everyone and
accounts for your team’s work, family and religious commitments
Choose a neutral, easily accessible venue with
no religious associations
Check that attendees with disabilities will be
able to access the premises
Stock non-alcoholic beverages to cater for those who can’t, or
don’t want to, drink
And don’t forget, as an employer, you should remind employees that the party is an extension of the workplace. Unacceptable behaviour will have consequences and possibly lead to disciplinary action, in the same way it would in the normal work environment.