Here are some additional tips for your workplace holiday party or event this year:
Location and Driving:
consider holding the event off-site at a licensed event venue
pre-arrange designated drivers;
provide taxi chits or a credit system with a local taxi service
hire a local transportation service, if not a taxi service
inform all employees not to personally drive to and from the event, unless that employee will consume no festive cheer at the event
arrange for a door supervisor to monitor if anyone leaves the event, after consuming any alcohol, and intends to operate a vehicle and, if there is a concern, for that supervisor to speak to a designated manager on site to intervene
Alcohol:
set a fixed time period when alcohol will be available or served
provide a set/controlled number of drink chits or tickets per guest
hire or use experienced, independent bartender(s) or server(s), with appropriate SMARTserve and training to identify, prevent and help manage over consumption
designate non-drinking employees or managers to monitor consumption at the event and identify any potential issues or concerns
offer and serve food and non-alcoholic options
Prevention – Discrimination and Harassment:
make sure the event is non-denominational
offer non-alcoholic alternatives and options to avoid any perception that the event is exclusionary or intended to apply only to certain staff/employees
consider setting a dress code for the event and communicating that to all employees/staff in advance
circulate your expectations about conduct in advance, in an effective way (mutual respect, professional workplace conduct, treatment of others)
ensure your discrimination and harassment policies are posted in the workplace in a common area and at the event
consider circulating your workplace discrimination and harassment policies in advance to all invited guests (employees/staff)
arrange for designated employee(s) to monitor the event and bring to your attention any concerns, so they can be addressed promptly, discretely and properly before any harm or embarrassment is caused
Happy holidays!
This WARDS PC BLAWG is for general information only. It is not legal advice, or intended to be. Specific or more information may be necessary before advice could be provided for your circumstances.
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