Holiday Parties: Making Your Lists And Checking Them Twice

With the opening up of COVID-19 restrictions on social gatherings, many workplaces are looking forward to celebrating together the upcoming holiday season and the ability to socially gather like it was 1999. Putting aside caution about the increasing number of cases and the new strains that may impact on the planning of holiday parties, employers must remember the basics.

While holiday parties are a form of staff appreciation and can be a great way to boost employee morale, they are not without risk – particularly in relation to employer liability and vicarious liability for the conduct of their employees at the party and any after-party. If an employer is willing to take on these risks, particularly if they are not planning to hold a "dry" celebration, they can reduce if not substantially avoid potential employer liability by establishing clear expectations and "rules" so to speak for the holiday party. This article provides an overview first of the