There are many reasons to celebrate in the workplace. Holidays, birthdays, and retirements are all common. But you need to keep office party safety in mind since you are responsible for your employees. From using management to handing out safety advice, here are some handy tips.
Ensure Alcohol is Handled Properly
Whether to allow alcohol at an office party or event is a big decision. Of course, everyone is an adult, so there’s no issue there. But not everyone is as responsible as we would like. Consider the time of day, and maybe leave alcohol if it is too early. Always ensure nobody drives home, as you don’t want to have to hire expert DUI attorney services for your legal defense for a regrettable mistake. It can also help to ensure your senior staff don’t drink so they can monitor.
Set an Example for Office Party Safety
Asking management and executives to stay off the booze when you have an office party can be a massive help, and it sets a great example. In many companies, employees will act how they see upper management acting. So, if your managers engage in inappropriate behavior, so too will some of your employees. This establishes the wrong company culture and is the main reason we get common terrible issues such as sexual harassment and abuse in the workplace.
Arrange Safe Travel for Everyone
Getting home safely is a human right, and if you arrange a party, you are somewhat responsible for your employee safety after it. Arranging designated drivers, cabs, and Uber or hiring an executive coach are excellent ways to shuttle employees to safety. This also helps reduce assaults, 26% of which are more likely to occur in a public space like the street, a local park, or a parking garage. It might be an expense, but what price can you put on this kind of safety?
Be Mindful of the Venue
Where you have an office party is a vital consideration. Do you choose a local employee hangout, a well-known bar, or even the office itself? Whatever you choose, you need to make sure it is safe and reliable and that your employees are responsible, or you can face fines:
- Consider the people that attend a local bar or club that you want to use.
- Remember that you can be held responsible for damage by your employees.
- Have senior staff sweep the party venue for straggler employees and get them home.
- Ask senior staff to mingle and ensure everything is OK throughout the party day.
- Make absolutely sure that all your employees have been safely sent home.
The last thing you want is something ruining the day that should be a good one. Of course, some staff may get too drunk, but this is easily handled with a hands-on approach by managers.
Consider a Low-Risk Party
Not all parties need to be alcohol-fueled or even in a bar. There are many alternatives to spending time together as a team and celebrating something. Common examples include bowling alleys, holding a charity day, or doing something team-based like paintballing. You can do all of these for fun and arrange great food and soft drinks while everyone enjoys themselves. These activities mean everyone can get into the celebration spirit while minimizing the risk.
Convey Office Party Safety to All Employees
It helps to get the message across for a safer event. You can put out a memo or even hold a meeting to convey what you expect of your employees. If there is to be alcohol, ask them to limit themselves to one drink. And remind them that they represent the company when they are in a public venue. Getting senior respected staff like the CEO onboard with the message can drive it home. If necessary, refer employees to the expected code of conduct that extends to parties.
Make the Party Completely Optional
It’s great when everyone attends a party, but some people don’t enjoy them and can feel pressured. There are also wider safety issues that could have unforeseen consequences. So make the party optional. For instance, some employees might be recovering alcoholics, and the last thing they need is free and unlimited access to booze. Others may have anxiety issues. This could be a trigger for them and could end up in an embarrassing and unfortunate incident.
Summary
Handling alcohol goes a long way to better office party safety. You should also consider where you have a party and its safety. And ensure people know the part is optional to avoid incidents.
