Take action to avoid common Christmas mistakes - HR expert

Drunken parties, a shortage of staff and inappropriate secret Santa gifts are just some of the things that many workplaces have come to expect at Christmas.

However, the experts at HR Caddy say employers need to keep on top of 'naughty list ' behaviour to protect the reputation of their businesses and provide a safe and respectful work environment.

“Without coming across as a Scrooge, employers do need to protect their business, employees and brand during the festive season by making sure that all staff behave appropriately, ” said Nicola Callaghan (pictured), managing director at Sutton Coldfield-based HR Caddy.

“That doesn 't mean taking the merry out of Christmas, but it does mean setting out some clear ground rules and policies about what is and isn 't acceptable both at work, and while out socialising as a company or organisation. ”

To help employers prepare for the parties and events ahead, Nicola has shared her dos and don 'ts:

• Do celebrate Christmas and the end of the year as a team, don 't exclude anyone, especially on the basis of their beliefs
• Do be respectful if an employee doesn 't want to drink or take part in festivities, don 't unduly pressurise them into uncomfortable situations
• Do be clear about the rules for booking time off around Christmas, don 't be entirely inflexible if it can be avoided
• Do have clear rules about your office party and secret Santa gifts, and don 't allow unacceptable behaviour to take place.

“We can all get a bit caught up in the events of Christmas, but it is important that the employee and employer relationship is properly maintained and that workplaces are treated as such, ” said Nicola.

She added that parties in particular can often lead to conflict and inappropriate behaviour, especially where alcohol is provided or involved.

Legally an office party should be considered the extension of the workplace and the same rules should apply.

HR Caddy says that employers should set clear ground rules, which take into consideration the organisation 's existing harassment policies, absence procedures and rules around social media posting.

Where a free bar is provided, it is important that there are non-alcoholic drinks included and that some restrictions are put in place to prevent excessive drinking.

Nicola added: “With more and more people working from home, it is important that employers also consider the needs of remote workers and try to include them where they can. ”

If you need HR advice this Christmas, give yourself the greatest gift of all this year by speaking to HR Caddy by calling 0121 378 3998 or visit the website.