Work Christmas parties (or end of year celebrations) are a great chance to celebrate with your colleagues, over drinks and nibbles. It is important to note that an employer can be held responsible for the behaviour of employees where an employee loses their inhibitions (due to excessive alcohol consumption and/or the use of drugs) at the Work Christmas party. Statistics show that bullying and harassment is more common to occur during such social occasions but other serious issues might arise, such as driving under the influence, refusing to obey reasonable and lawful direction to name a few.
Now is a good time (prior to the Christmas party) to look at what you can do to mitigate any risks to you as the employer and to reinforce those expectations of workers when you all hang your tool belts up for the year to celebrate.
Some tips might include: