Keeping safe (and maybe your job) over the Christmas period

‘Tis the season to make merry, have goodwill to all and enjoy time with family and loved ones. We sincerely wish everyone a great break over the festive season, but it does come with a few warnings we think are worth reminding you about.

With less than two weeks to go until a visit from jolly Saint Nick, you’ve likely already made plans for your Christmas work-do. ‘Work-do’s’ can be quite a minefield of potentially embarrassing incidents and could even threaten your job if you aren't careful.

A lot of people forget that you are at an event provided by your employer, which means you are still subject to your contract of employment. This also means that your behaviour could result in a number of issues if it is considered inappropriate.

Your intentions might be pure of course, but alcohol is the biggest cause of problems at work parties, so the best advice is moderate it or, if you are not much of a drinker, avoid it altogether. You don’t want the start of your new year to be a calendar invite from HR.

• Leave the gossip alone. Christmas parties are pressure points for deeply held grudges. If you hear gossiping or moaning about colleagues, it’s probably best to steer clear of the conversation.
• Leave the photocopier alone. We all know what traditionally gets copied at Christmas parties…. turn the other cheek and avoid misusing company property.
• Don’t step over the line. There’s a big difference between “banter” or having a laugh and what is considered sexual harassment, bullying or inappropriate behaviour. Whatever the circumstances, keep it appropriate.
• We love a good boogie as much as the next person. After all, a party is supposed to be a time to cut loose and let your hair down, so a bit of embarrassing “Dad” dancing is probably fine. Twerking on the break-room pool table however… it's best to keep it sensible.

Lastly, you need to remember that you will also need to get home safely afterwards. Make sure you have transport arranged and don’t take a lift unless you know the person. Tell someone where you are and when you are heading home, and if you can, get a friend or family member to pick you up. If you are walking home, make sure you are on the right side of sober, walk on well-lit streets and avoid “dodgy” or dark alleyways if possible. Keep an eye on your colleagues and make sure they get home safely!

We really want you all to have the very best Christmas and taking a few simple precautions and being sensible will make the festive season safer for you and others.

If you're an employer, we suggest you check out this article by BrightHR.