Spiked Egg Nog And The Human Response: Avoiding Holiday Party Mishaps

Like festive lights and bow-wrapped luxury cars, 'tis the season for horror stories from company holiday parties. Office holiday parties are a cherished tradition and a nice way for companies to thank their employees for a job well done. However, employers need to safeguard against parties running amok and companies ending up on the wrong end of the gossip pages. We suggest some best practices to avoid liability and embarrassment.

• Announcements about holiday parties should serve as gentle reminders that non-discrimination and non-harassment policies extend to work-sponsored social events like holiday parties. The message should be to have fun, but to behave. Management and supervisory personnel attending holiday parties should reinforce that message by setting a positive example.