- The workplace equivalent of a safety demonstration on a plane. Feel free to inject some humour into it, but make sure you don’t trivialise or obscure the importance of the underlying messages. Don’t forget to include:
- workplace policies will continue to apply;
- the start and finish time of the function;
- the importance of not engaging in conduct that breaches policies or brings themselves or the employer into disrepute; and
- to be careful and considerate about what they post to social media about the event.
- Ensure that the RSA principles are observed and implemented by the venue.
- Announce the formal end of the event. Do not announce any after‑parties or other events. (If staff choose to kick on it needs to be clear that the work function has ended.)
- Ensure staff have arrangements to get home safely. Offer cab vouchers or reimbursement making it clear this is from the function venue to home, and nowhere else.
- Keep an eye on social media postings. While a photo or social media ban of such events is impractical and counterproductive, employees should be urged to be judicious in their posting and comply with the firm’s social media policy.
- Employees should be reminded that a Christmas party is not a licence to do things in the workplace that they would never otherwise do.