Festive Season Celebrations

VECCI Manager, ALEXANDRA MARRIOTT reminds us to ensure that the festive season remains a time of cheer.

With many workplace end of year celebrations kicking off soon, VECCI has developed a guide for employers and employees to ensure what happens at the office party does not come back to haunt them. VECCI Manager – Workplace Relations Policy, Alexandra Marriott , says the work end of year party is generally considered an extension of the workplace and therefore employers’ and employees’ obligations remain, ranging from OHS to Equal Opportunity and compliance.

Ms Marriott says end of year functions or parties are a great way for organisations to celebrate staff achievements and share the joys of the season.

“But the mix of the festive spirit, party atmosphere and consumption of alcohol can lead to questionable behaviour and impaired judgement,” says Ms Marriott.

“Over the years there have been cases of WorkSafe ruling that employers are liable for incidents that happen at or following work functions.

“Employers also need to be wary about issues that may arise under Equal Opportunity legislation such as sexual harassment or offensive behaviour in the form of inappropriate jokes, an ill-thought out Christmas gift or other forms of inappropriate behaviour.

“Employees need to ensure that they avoid liability by taking reasonable steps to prevent such incidents from occurring,” says Ms Marriott .

VECCI suggests the following actions for employers:

• Reiterate workplace policies with staff
• Ensure you are in a position to stop service if necessary and supply low or non-alcoholic beverages.
• Make sure you provide a way for people to get home safely.
• Make sure you serve plenty of food and make sure it’s served according to applicable food safety standards.
• Make sure someone monitors safety hazards at the venue.
• Remind all staff about the standards of behaviour expected and the disciplinary consequences of failing to meet those standards.

VECCI suggest the following actions for employees:

• Keep consumption of alcohol to reasonable and responsible levels
• Familiarise yourself with your workplace policies such harassment or discrimination policy
• Plan ahead as to how you will safely get home
• If any hazards eventuate during the event make sure venue management is informed so something can be done about it

“End of year parties and functions are a fantastic way to celebrate the year’s achievements but it’s important for everyone to remember that they are extension of the workplace and the normal rules remain,” says Ms Marriott .

For information about how you can prepare for your workplace’s end of year function, visit:
www.vecci.org.au or contact Lizzie Trethewey, VECCI Senior Communications Adviser
on 03 8662 5310 / 0423 883 945 / ltrethewey@vecci.org.au

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