ARTICLE · 30 NOVEMBER 2015

How to avoid HR hangovers this holiday season

DibbsBarker

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Social media misuse, sexual harassment and drunken misconduct are key risks employers must manage at Christmas parties.

AustraliaEmployment and HR

Maree Skinner (Formerly With DibbsBarker)

Mei-Lim Smith

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Focus:	Key risks employers need to manage for end of year celebrations
Services:	Corporate & Commercial, Dispute Resolution & Litigation, Employee & Industrial Relations, Insurance
Industry Focus:	Agribusiness, Energy & Infrastructure, Financial Services, Insurance, Life Sciences & Healthcare, Property

Social media misuse, sexual harassment and drunken misconduct are some of the key risks employers need to proactively manage in order to minimise the risk of adverse claims arising from end of year celebrations.

Key risks for employers

Social Media

An employee uploading scandalous photos of a drunken colleague at a work Christmas party or sending inappropriate messages to a colleague via social media can lead to a range of claims being lodged against the employer and employee concerned, including claims for sexual harassment and bullying. These types of activities can also cause reputational damage to an

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