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The dos and don’t of end-of-year office parties

We look at the dos and don’ts for celebrating the festive season in the workplace. 

The festive season is a time of joy, celebration and togetherness. It’s also a time when people in the workplace want to share in the holiday spirit. However, as we all know, there’s a fine line between what’s acceptable and what might be considered inappropriate when it comes to celebrating in the office. 

By following your company’s protocol and practising consideration and mindfulness, you and your team members can strike the right balance between spreading holiday cheer and maintaining professionalism. 

The dos 

  • Be smart about decorations. Adorning your workspace with a few tasteful and inclusive holiday decorations can foster a sense of camaraderie. Consider items like a small desk tree, non-religious ornaments or general festive-themed décor. Avoid dangerous objects and lighting equipment that could be hazardous, especially after your peers have had a drink or two. 
  • Be inclusive. It’s respectful to observe holiday celebrations that acknowledge the diversity of your workplace. Perhaps select neutral themes, such as ‘winter wonderland’ or a ‘food festival’ where everyone can bring a dish representative of their own culture.
  • Gifts are great, but be mindful that not everyone earns the same salary. This means that a Secret Santa initiative may put a lot more financial pressure on some than others. If you do organise one, highlight that small, thoughtful gifts like holiday cards can be a great way to show appreciation to your colleagues. Be sure to put a budget limit on gifts, asking colleagues to spend between R50 and R100, for example. 
  • Contribute to charity. Encourage your team to give back during the festive season. Organise a charitable drive or a volunteer day to make the season meaningful for everyone. This is a great alternative to throwing an expensive office party where alcohol will be served (many of your peers may be opposed to this anyway).
  • Have strict rules. It’s not that we want to put a damper on festivities, but clean fun must be top priority, especially at work. Send out an email or have a quick team briefing to make all employees aware of your company’s rules and code of conduct. Employees must be made aware of appropriate dress codes, drinking laws and the consequences of misconduct prior to any staff event.

 

Employees must be made aware of appropriate dress codes, drinking laws and the consequences of misconduct prior to any staff event.

 

The don’ts 

  • Avoid religious displays. In a diverse workplace, it’s best to avoid religious displays as they can make some employees feel excluded or uneasy. Stick to secular decorations to ensure inclusivity. 
  • Limit chaos. While holiday music and alcoholic beverages can be great mood enhancers, remember that not everyone enjoys it. Keep the volume at a reasonable level and limit the allowance of XYZs.
  • Don’t overindulge. Festive treats are a great addition to the workplace but be mindful not to overindulge. Excessive alcohol consumption at work events can lead to unprofessional behaviour.
  • Steer clear of controversial topics. During workplace celebrations, avoid discussing politics, religion or personal issues (especially any job-related issues you should be addressing with HR directly). These topics can lead to conflict, argumentative outbursts or make others uncomfortable.
  • Respect individual choices. If a colleague chooses not to participate in the festivities, respect their choice without pressure or judgement. Everyone has different preferences, and some are more sensitive than others.
  • Stick to the dress code. When planning your festive attire, consider your company’s dress code policies. In most cases, it’s best to err on the side of caution and maintain a professional appearance. Don’t wear anything provocative or suggestive, or items that may offend others (inappropriate holiday slogan T-shirts are an example of this.)

The festive season is a time to bring people together, irrespective of their cultural or religious backgrounds. By following these do’s and don’ts, you can ensure that your workplace remains a welcoming, safe and enjoyable environment for all during this special time of year. Remember, a little consideration and thoughtfulness go a long way in creating a harmonious and joyful festive season in your working environment. 

Always prioritise inclusivity, respect for diversity and opinion, and sensitivity to your colleagues’ individual beliefs and customs. 

Local laws state:

  • South African labour law strongly protects employees from any behaviour that can be viewed as unfair, regardless of the circumstances under which it occurs.
  • Employers are legally required to act quickly and firmly in all cases of alleged mistreatment of employees.
  • Staff parties at companies are a norm and should be encouraged to boost employee morale, but the flow of alcohol and other substances should always be strictly controlled.
  • All employees should very clearly be made aware of company policies, protocols and laws regarding responsible drinking. It should be made clear that no one will be allowed to have fun at the expense of another person’s safety and well-being.
  • Complaints should be treated very seriously by HR and management, even if it appears that they are exaggerated.
  • Always consult with a labour law practitioner before acting on the information.

Words by: Chandré Emma Kippie 

Text courtesy of Jet Club 

Photo: Gallo/Getty Images