End-of-year party etiquette for employees and employers

Christmas is almost here, and for many employees, that means end-of-year work celebrations are popping up.

While the silly season has its name for a reason, keeping in line with company policy is still important, so as not to damage your reputation or embarrass yourself in front of colleagues.

For employers

Employers should be mindful of the message they’re sending to their employees via their choice of celebration and how senior leaders conduct themselves at events.

HR Leader noted in Hybrid, remote and homeworking-friendly end-of-year celebration ideas: “If your business has embraced off-site working, be it hybrid, remote or working from home, then you may be struggling with ideas for end-of-year celebrations that match your new working style.”

Adding: “You don’t need to revert to an on-site event if that doesn’t suit your current ways of working.”

Teambuilding.com released a “dos and don’ts” list for the 2022 holiday season. The article outlines best policy for employers to follow to give staff the optimal end-of-year send-off. Teambuilding.com recommends organisations throw a party to celebrate the end of year and give employees a chance to unwind. However, it also notes that celebrations shouldn’t be compulsory, and staff shouldn’t be expected to pay for an event.

Ahead of any events, HR Leader suggests that HR and line managers collaborate on a code of conduct for how everyone is expected to behave at an event. This doesn't have to be onerous, but it should clearly reinforce what good behaviour looks like, and what will happen if employees act inappropriately.

Some organisations may even consider asking staff to sign such a code of conduct to solidify that it’s to be taken seriously. HR technology can help with this, for example, Cezanne HR’s document management.

Teambuilding.com also notes setting rules and guidelines as it makes sure everyone is on the same page on how they’re expected to behave.

In addition to the above considerations, HR Leader suggests that employers should remain mindful of COVID-19 as a safety consideration for their workers. No one wants to get COVID-19 right before Christmas with their families! Celebrations should be fun and safe.

For employees

It’s all too easy to have one too many drinks and suddenly finding yourself oversharing or behaving in a way that you’d never consider appropriate in the office. All employees should remember the golden rule: work parties are precisely that, a part of work, and you will still be working with your colleagues after the end-of-year celebrations (hopefully!). A level of professional decorum is expected and wise at all times.

Elle belle recruitment released its own set of guidelines for employees. The recruitment agency said: “These parties aren’t the place to completely let your hair down, remember, you will have to face your boss or work colleagues soon afterwards.”

Their recommendations are:

1. Dress appropriately.
2. Don’t overindulge in alcohol.
3. Connect with colleagues.
4. Don’t embarrass yourself.
5. Don’t exert your opinions too much.
6. Have a good time.

HR Leader would add to the above that it’s good to be mindful of conversation topics that are perhaps best avoided, like politics and religion. And don’t assume that everyone celebrates Christmas – we are fortunate to live in a diverse country and being sensitive to this in the comments made at end-of-year events is the best way to make sure everyone feels included.

For anyone feeling nervous about upcoming work events, SEEK shares some suggestions in Do I have to? How to navigate social activities at work. It’s a good time to be mindful of your quieter colleagues who might find social events daunting, and to help them feel included and welcome.