Bad behavior at holiday office parties
Everyone loves a company party. It’s a time to relax and enjoy a couple of laughs with your coworkers, and maybe have a cocktail or two. Company parties are a great way to show your employees you value them. However, HR and managers setting the tone of the party is key. Overindulging in alcohol can lead to some very precarious situations, like teasing or even worse, allegations of sexual harassment. Nip this liability by using drink tickets to limit alcohol consumption. Ensure employees get home safe by sponsoring rides with taxi services. Make sure your sexual harassment policies are in place and up to date. Download our Non-Harassment Self Audit checklist to make sure your policy is ready.
Low productivity
The holiday season equals major distractions. Days seem shorter, holiday planning is in full swing, and shopping, planning vacations, and holiday prepping are all distractions for employees. A great way to counter low productivity is to set clear deadlines. Managers should meet with their teams to make sure everyone is on track to meet their goals and conquer the last quarter of the year. Company expectations should be set and communicated to all employees.
Misusing company time
The holidays are joyous time for many, but we forget that for some it’s a difficult time. The holiday blues are very real. If employees choose not to participate in company holiday festivities, they shouldn’t be singled out. It’s important for HR and managers to be cognizant of these employees and offer support. Other employees may be reminded of lost loved ones during this time and disengage from company culture. Again, it’s essential to offer support and make them aware of any employee assistance programs during this trying time.
If you’d like to know more about how KRESS can help your business combat HR issues during the holidays or throughout the year, contact us today. We have the expertise your business needs to create and implement a policy that works for everyone.