Christmas Parties - 'Ties the Season

Christmas Parties - 'Tis the Season

Christmas Parties - 'Tis the Season

An Employer’s guide to the Christmas Party ever!

F&B Christmas Party

An Employer’s guide to best Christmas party ever!

I know, we have used the C word – sorry. 

The Christmas holiday season is a time of joy and celebration and for many companies this includes hosting a Christmas party for their employees. While these gatherings can be a great way to boost morale and show appreciation for your team’s hard work, they also come with a set of responsibilities and potential pitfalls for all employers.  

Trying to please a diverse workforce can be tricky but F&B HR Consultancy have devised a useful guide exploring how to plan and manage a successful and responsible Christmas party for all your employees. 

I know, we have used the C word – sorry. 

The Christmas holiday season is a time of joy and celebration and for many companies this includes hosting a Christmas party for their employees. While these gatherings can be a great way to boost morale and show appreciation for your team’s hard work, they also come with a set of responsibilities and potential pitfalls for all employers.  

Trying to please a diverse workforce can be tricky but F&B HR Consultancy have devised a useful guide exploring how to plan and manage a successful and responsible Christmas party for all your employees. 

How to plan and manage the BEST Christmas party EVER!!! 

How to plan and manage the BEST Christmas party EVER!!! 

Think about your budget including expenses like venue hire, food, drink, entertainment and decorations. Don’t forget to stick to your budget to avoid overspending! Everyone loves a free bar but will your Finance Director? 

What’s the best time to have a party? Is November too early is January too late? Be sure to choose a date and time that accommodates the majority of your workforce and avoid scheduling the party during peak work hours or on a weekday where employees have to get up for work the next day. You may see a few with ‘food poisoning’ otherwise. 

Having a venue that can accommodate your team comfortably is vital. Don’t forget to ensure that it is accessible to all employees and has appropriate facilities. Be mindful of religious and cultural diversity when planning the decorations and activities. Avoid religious symbols or overly specific holiday themes that may exclude some employees.  Ensure all employees feel welcome and comfortable at the party.  

Dance like nobody is watching, right?! It’s Christmas after all. Plan the entertainment options, like music, games, and a DJ to keep the atmosphere lively and enjoyable. Be inclusive. 

If providing food and drinks arrange for catering that caters to dietary restrictions and preferences. Be sure to provide non-alcoholic options for those who don’t drink alcohol. 

With everyone having a great time often inhibitions can be let down and normal office etiquette goes out the window. Before the event it is often good to remind employees of your expectations. Actively state that you expect responsible drinking and respectful behaviour. Should an issue arise address the potential issues proactively by having a plan in place for dealing with inappropriate behaviour – it’s not uncommon for grievances or harassment claims to flow in after a Christmas party. 

Use the Christmas party as an opportunity to recognise and appreciate your employees’ hard work throughout the year. Small tokens of appreciation and awards nominated by the team for the team will always be appreciated. 

Are you going to make arrangements for transport options like lift/taxi sharing to ensure employees can get home safely? Are you staying over in a hotel (think of the mini bars and how expensive they can be).  

Think about your budget including expenses like venue hire, food, drink, entertainment and decorations. Don’t forget to stick to your budget to avoid overspending! Everyone loves a free bar but will your Finance Director? 

What’s the best time to have a party? Is November too early is January too late? Be sure to choose a date and time that accommodates the majority of your workforce and avoid scheduling the party during peak work hours or on a weekday where employees have to get up for work the next day. You may see a few with ‘food poisoning’ otherwise. 

Having a venue that can accommodate your team comfortably is vital. Don’t forget to ensure that it is accessible to all employees and has appropriate facilities. Be mindful of religious and cultural diversity when planning the decorations and activities. Avoid religious symbols or overly specific holiday themes that may exclude some employees.  Ensure all employees feel welcome and comfortable at the party.  

Dance like nobody is watching, right?! It’s Christmas after all. Plan the entertainment options, like music, games, and a DJ to keep the atmosphere lively and enjoyable. Be inclusive. 

If providing food and drinks arrange for catering that caters to dietary restrictions and preferences. Be sure to provide non-alcoholic options for those who don’t drink alcohol. 

With everyone having a great time often inhibitions can be let down and normal office etiquette goes out the window. Before the event it is often good to remind employees of your expectations. Actively state that you expect responsible drinking and respectful behaviour. Should an issue arise address the potential issues proactively by having a plan in place for dealing with inappropriate behaviour – it’s not uncommon for grievances or harassment claims to flow in after a Christmas party. 

Use the Christmas party as an opportunity to recognise and appreciate your employees’ hard work throughout the year. Small tokens of appreciation and awards nominated by the team for the team will always be appreciated. 

Are you going to make arrangements for transport options like lift/taxi sharing to ensure employees can get home safely? Are you staying over in a hotel (think of the mini bars and how expensive they can be).  

Hosting a Christmas party for your employees can be a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday season and show your appreciation. However, it’s crucial to plan and manage the event responsibly to ensure a safe and inclusive environment. By following this employer’s guide, you can create a memorable and enjoyable Christmas party that reflects positively on your company culture and values. 

Hosting a Christmas party for your employees can be a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday season and show your appreciation. However, it’s crucial to plan and manage the event responsibly to ensure a safe and inclusive environment. By following this employer’s guide, you can create a memorable and enjoyable Christmas party that reflects positively on your company culture and values. 

 

Have a wonderful time – and if you need some people advice after your party,  get in touch with us!

Have a wonderful time – and if you need some people advice after your party,  get in touch with us!